HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1117


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

         As Reported by House Committee On:       
Housing

Title: An act relating to homeless housing and assistance.

Brief Description: Recodifying statutes governing homeless families, housing, and assistance, and homelessness.

Sponsors: Representatives Miloscia, Morrell, Pettigrew, Ormsby, Kenney, Moeller and Simpson.

Brief History:

Housing: 1/15/07, 1/22/07 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Recodifies statues containing provisions related to homeless individuals and families into the Homeless Housing and Assistance chapter.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Miloscia, Chair; Springer, Vice Chair; Dunn, Ranking Minority Member; Kelley, McCune and Ormsby.

Staff: Robyn Dupuis (786-7166).

Background:

There exists a Homeless Housing and Assistance chapter (RCW 43.185C). There also exists a variety of sections in other chapters which address programs, plans and requirements related to homeless individuals and families.


Summary of Substitute Bill:

The following sections and chapter are recodified into the Homeless Housing and Assistance chapter (RCW 43.185C):

36.22.179 - creates the homeless document recording fee surcharge;
43.20A.790 - requires the Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development to create a comprehensive plan for homeless families with children;
43.185C.180 - mandates the creation of the Homeless Client Management Information System;
43.330.167 - creates the Homeless Families with Children Fund to fund homeless services; and
Chapter 59.24 - creates the Rental Security Deposit Guarantee Program to provide monies that will be used as collateral to guarantee the payment of a security deposit by a homeless person or family.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

Two statutes, RCW 74.50.060 and RCW 43.63A.650, are removed from the list of statutes to be recodified.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This is a simple bill to better organize homeless statutes.

(Neutral) Concentrating the statues related to homelessness won't address the problem that persons with disabilities have difficulties accessing housing. Policies of the Department of Health and Social Services restrict people with disabilities from living independently in the community.

Persons Testifying:

(In support) Representative Miloscia, prime sponsor.

(Neutral) Loren M. Freeman, Freeman & Associates.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.