FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1724
C 266 L 22
Synopsis as Enacted
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: House Committee on Housing, Human Services & Veterans (originally sponsored by Representatives Macri, Ryu, Berry, Taylor, Wicks, Valdez, Morgan, Bateman, Davis, Goodman, Gregerson, Peterson, Santos, Simmons, Chopp, Pollet, Stonier, Ormsby, Harris-Talley and Kloba).
House Committee on Housing, Human Services & Veterans
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Housing & Local Government
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.  The AHAB must review, evaluate, and make recommendations about existing and proposed housing programs and initiatives and prepare an annual report detailing its findings and recommendations.

 

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:

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 November 1, 2022.  The Director of Commerce and the Director of Commerce's Office of Supportive Housing must regularly consult with the advisory committee.  Commerce must also provide staff support to the advisory committee.  Until December 31, 2027, the advisory committee must submit an annual report of its recommendations to enhance the coordination and availability of permanent supportive housing to the Legislature and the Governor.

Votes on Final Passage:
House 96 1
Senate 48 0
Effective:

June 9, 2022