February 5, 1997

BILL ANALYSIS

TO:       Members, Committee on Trade and Economic Development

FROM:     Kenny Pittman, Research Analyst  (786-7392)

RE:       HB 1356 - Providing a study of low-income housing.

BACKGROUND:

Low-income housing assistance is provided through various federal, state, and local programs.  The goal of low-income housing assistance programs is to reduce the cost of housing and improve the quality of housing.  Housing assistance is provided as either direct-spending through loans or grants or indirect-assistance through the tax code.

SUMMARY:

The Financial Institutions and Housing Committee in the Senate and the Trade and Economic Development Committee in the House of Representatives are directed to conduct the study on low-income housing assistance.  The study must: (1) identify the number of people in Washington receiving rental or home ownership assistance; (2) include information on type of households that receive housing assistance, including age and household income; (3) identify the number of recipients in each county; (4) identify qualifications needed to receive housing assistance; and (5)  identify agencies or groups that distribute housing assistance and in what amounts.  The study results are due by January 1, 1998.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  The bill has an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.