Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Housing, Human Services & Veterans Committee
HB 1724
Brief Description: Ensuring oversight and coordination of permanent supportive housing resources to maximize the creation of high quality housing opportunities for people living with disabling conditions in communities across Washington.
Sponsors: Representatives Macri, Ryu, Berry, Taylor, Wicks, Valdez and Morgan.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Adds an operator of permanent supportive housing and services to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
  • Establishes an advisory committee on permanent supportive housing within the Department of Commerce.
Hearing Date: 1/11/22
Staff: Serena Dolly (786-7150).
Background:

Affordable Housing Advisory Board
The Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) advises the Department of Commerce (Commerce) on housing and housing-related issues.  The AHAB is comprised of 22 members representing public entities, local governments, housing industries, and other stakeholders.

 

Permanent supportive housing
Permanent supportive housing is subsidized, leased housing with no limit on the length of stay that prioritizes people who need comprehensive support services to retain tenancy.  Permanent supportive housing uses admissions practices designed to lower barriers to entry that would be typical for other rental housing, especially related to rental history, criminal history, and personal behaviors, and is paired with voluntary on or off-site supportive services. 

 

The state provides funding for the construction, operations, maintenance, and service costs for permanent supportive housing through document recording surcharges and other appropriations.  Commerce is the state agency primarily responsible for administering funding for permanent supportive housing.
Summary of Bill:

Affordable Housing Advisory Board
The AHAB is expanded by one representative of organizations that operate site-based permanent supportive housing and deliver onsite supportive housing services.

 

Permanent supportive housing
An advisory committee on permanent supportive housing (advisory committee) is established to provide guidance and recommendations to Commerce on the administration of permanent supportive housing resources, including recommendations to ensure alignment of capital, services, and operating investments.

 

The advisory committee must meet no less than quarterly with its first meeting to be convened by Commerce no later than October 1, 2022.  The Director of Commerce and the director of Commerce's Office of Supportive Housing must regularly consult with the advisory committee.  Commerce will provide staff support to the advisory committee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 7, 2022.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.