FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5077

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: Allowing the department of corrections to provide temporary housing assistance to individuals being released from certain corrections centers for women.

Background: Before a person may be released from confinement to community custody, the Department of Corrections (DOC) must approve the person's release plan. The release plan includes the specific residence and living arrangements of the person. DOC can deny the person's release plan if the person does not have an approved living arrangement. In 2009, the Legislature authorized DOC to provide rental vouchers to a releasing person for a period up to three months, if the vouchers will assist the person in obtaining an approved living arrangement. Only persons releasing to community custody are eligible for rental vouchers.

Any person releasing from DOC must be provided with suitable clothing, the sum of $40, and transportation, not to exceed $100, from the place of release to the person's residence. An additional $60 may be provided for personal and living expenses upon application and approval by the person's community corrections officer.

Summary: Within existing funds, DOC may provide rental vouchers for a period up to three months to any person discharged from Washington Corrections Center for Women or the Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women if the assistance will support the person's release into the community.

No later than November 1, 2020, DOC must submit a report to the Legislature, detailing:

the number of individuals provided with housing assistance;
the ability of the individual to maintain housing at the conclusion of the rental voucher period; and
the recidivism rate of those provided with housing assistance.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	49	0
House	57	41