HB 1585 - DIGEST

Finds that, due to lack of a permanent address or other contact information, lack of skills and training, lack of reliable personal transportation, frequent health challenges, or other circumstances, homeless persons are vulnerable to exploitation as low-wage laborers.

Declares that, in 1995, the legislature recognized that the circumstances of another group of exploited low-wage laborers, migrant agricultural workers, necessitated the creation of standards for temporary worker housing to prevent those workers from being forced to obtain housing that is unsafe and unsanitary; those standards are reflected in chapter 70.114A RCW.

Finds that, due to their poverty, extreme need, and dire circumstances, similar exploitation of the labor of homeless persons also exists, and that, due to an inadequate supply of affordable housing and of space in permanent shelters for the homeless, they are likewise being forced to seek shelter in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

Declares an intent to encourage temporary housing for homeless persons to be safe and sanitary by establishing a clear and concise set of regulations for temporary housing and encampments for homeless persons, substantially equivalent to those provided for temporary worker housing.