AN ACT Relating to revising the real estate seller disclosure notice to reflect changes in the pollution liability insurance agency's home heating oil tank insurance program;
Summary
HB 2501 updates Washington’s residential real estate seller disclosure notice to reflect changes in the state’s pollution liability insurance agency home heating oil tank insurance program. The bill requires sellers of residential property to provide buyers with a revised notice explaining that, if the property uses an oil tank for heating, no-cost insurance may be available from the pollution liability insurance agency and that remediation assistance may be available for heating oil contamination. The notice directs buyers to contact the Washington State Pollution Liability Insurance Agency for more information.
The bill also adds a new section stating that the act applies prospectively only and is not retroactive. In practical terms, the change is limited to property sales arising on or after January 1, 2026, and it amends the existing seller disclosure framework rather than creating a new standalone disclosure regime.
Impact
HB 2501 amends Washington’s real estate disclosure statutes governing seller-provided notices in residential property transactions. It changes the required disclosure language to align with the current status of the pollution liability insurance agency’s heating oil tank insurance and remediation assistance programs, affecting sellers, buyers, and real estate professionals involved in transactions for homes with oil heat or oil tanks. The bill does not alter the underlying insurance program itself, but it updates statutory notice requirements to ensure buyers receive accurate information about potential coverage and cleanup assistance.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests broad support and little controversy. The House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business voted 15-0 to do pass the bill, indicating unanimous committee approval. No committee transcript objections or divided floor debate were provided, and the bill’s purpose appears technical and informational rather than policy-driven, which likely contributed to the favorable reception.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive contention in the materials provided. The main issue is administrative: updating the disclosure notice to match the current oil tank insurance program and clarifying that the change applies only prospectively. Any potential concern would likely center on whether the revised notice is sufficiently clear for sellers and buyers, but no opposing arguments, stakeholder disputes, or recorded objections appear in the available record.
Change provisions relating to the Unfair Insurance Trade Practices Act, the Nebraska Property and Liability Insurance Guaranty Association Act, and mutual insurance holding companies and eliminate the provisions of the Health Insurance Access Act and the Health Care Purchasing Pool Act
Change provisions relating to notice under the Nebraska Uniform Limited Liability Act and require the Secretary of State to create a web page and charge a fee for electronic publication of notices under the act