Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

SSB 6560

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Ensuring that no youth is discharged from a public system of care into homelessness.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Darneille, Billig, Frockt, Hunt, Kuderer, Palumbo and Wellman).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Requires the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs (OHYPPP) to develop a plan to ensure that, by December 31, 2019, no youth is discharged from a public system of care into homelessness.

  • Directs the OHYPPP to submit the plan to the Governor and the Legislature by December 31, 2018, and requires a response to the plan from the Governor and the Legislature by March 31, 2019.

Hearing Date: 2/20/18

Staff: Dawn Eychaner (786-7135).

Background:

The 2015 Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Act (Act) established the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs (OHYPPP) at the Department of Commerce. The OHYPPP oversees programs serving unaccompanied and homeless youth and young adults up to age 24, including HOPE centers, crisis residential centers, and street youth services.

Among the goals established by the Act is the goal of preventing youth from being discharged from a public system of care into homelessness.  The Act identified stable housing as a key component to successfully reducing and preventing youth and youth adult homelessness.

A judicial proceeding is the process involved in a court proceeding that includes all steps in the enforcement, adjudication, or administration of rights, remedies, laws, or regulations such as a hearing or trial before the court.  A collateral proceeding is brought to address an issue incidental to the principal proceeding, and could include contempt of court proceedings.

Summary of Bill:

The OHYPPP must develop a plan to ensure that, by December 31, 2019, no youth is discharged from a public system of care into homelessness.  The plan must specify actions to be taken by state agencies and recommendations for legislative actions necessary to accomplish all parts of the plan. 

The OHYPP must submit the plan to the Legislature and the Governor by December 31, 2018.  By March 31, 2019, the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature must respond to the plan.

A declaration identifying the goal of preventing youth from being discharged from a public system of care into homelessness provides that this policy goal applies to any judicial proceeding through which the youth has been committed to the public system of care or in any collateral proceeding that involves the custody of the youth in that system.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.