The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) has a process to notify state and federal agencies, local governments, and tribes regarding the availability of surplus real property.  If none of the respective government entities respond, the DES may sell or exchange the property. 

Intergovernmental transfers of property are authorized for general purposes as well as for specific purposes including mass transit, parks and recreational purposes, and school districts and libraries.

Any state agency or local government with authority to dispose of surplus public property may transfer, lease, or otherwise dispose of surplus property for affordable housing.  Any such transfer, lease, or other disposal may be made to a public, private, or nongovernmental body on any mutually agreeable terms and conditions, including a no-cost transfer.  A deed, lease, or other instrument transferring or conveying surplus property must include a requirement that the property will be used for affordable housing and must include remedies if the property is not used for the designated purpose.

Washington tribes provide a variety of health care services including those related to alcohol and substance use disorders and behavioral health conditions.  All but a few tribes provide health care services through tribal clinics.  These clinics could be tribal operated clinics, tribal clinics utilizing the federal Indian Health Services program, or Urban Indian Health Programs.

The state and local governments are authorized to give real property to a Washington state federally recognized tribe, or consortium of federally recognized tribes, for the purpose of providing facilities for health care services to help patients address alcohol and substance use disorders and behavioral health conditions.  

Any transfer of property must be done on terms that are mutually agreed to by the state or local government and the tribe or tribes.  The terms must include a requirement that the property reverts to the state or local government if the property ceases to be used to provide the health care services within 50 years from the date of the property transfer.  Where new construction or major renovations are necessary, the tribe or tribes must have the facility constructed or renovated and operational within six years of the property transfer and must have the capacity to continue to add onto the facility or property with services that address prevention, withdrawal management, inpatient and outpatient health services, wellness programs, and aftercare services. 

Necessary state and local permits should be expedited for these projects to the extent feasible.  The state and local governments and tribes are encouraged to cooperate regarding identifying public property that might be used by tribes to provide alcohol and substance use disorder services, behavioral health services, and related services.

(In support) The State of Washington is facing an opioid and fentanyl crisis, one that is currently the worst in the nation.  The purpose of the bill is to enable federally recognized tribes in Washington to come together to increase their number of health care facilities from which they can provide detoxification and wrap-around services to save lives.  There are between 17 and 21 tribal health centers, this bill will enable tribes to provide more services in more tribal health facilities to serve all Washingtonians.  For example, one tribal health center assists 400 people per day with opioid addiction issues.  Imagine if that could be done in more facilities throughout Washington.  Tribes want to build more health care facilities and provide services to save lives.

(Opposed) None.

Representative Debra Lekanoff, prime sponsor.