| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Housing Committee | |
HB 3324
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.
Brief Description: Requiring certain local jurisdictions to present and update annually unsheltered homeless housing plans.
Sponsors: Representative Chase.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
|
Hearing Date: 2/4/08
Staff: Robyn Dupuis (786-7166).
Background:
The Legislature enacted the Homeless Housing and Assistance Act in 2005, the goal of which
was to reduce homelessness by 50 percent statewide and in each county by 2015. The program
was initially funded by a $10 surcharge on recorded documents which produces approximately
$16 million a year for homeless programs (60 percent remains to be used in the county). In 2007,
the Legislature authorized an additional $8 surcharge for the program (90 percent remains to be
used in the counties). The state portion of each surcharge is deposited in the Home Security
Fund.
The Homeless Housing and Assistance Act requires the Department of Community, Trade and
Economic Development (DCTED) to create a state Homeless Housing and Assistance Plan and
also requires each county to create local Homeless Housing and Assistance Plans. 37 counties
participate in this program.
Summary of Bill:
Unsheltered Homeless Housing Plan:
Local homeless housing taskforces are required to create and annually update Unsheltered
Homeless Housing Plans. First plans must be submitted to the local jurisdictions within 90 days
of the Act's effective date. The plan must include:
- strategies and a detailed action plan;
- estimated costs for plan execution and the achievement of the goal; and
- recommended interim strategies to assist unsheltered homeless individuals until they can be
adequately sheltered.
Goal: To shelter 100 percent of unsheltered homeless individuals.
Use of Home Security Surcharge Funds:
Home Security Fund surcharge (RCW 36.22.179 and 36.22.1791) funding must be allocated to
projects that further the unsheltered homeless goal until the local homeless census shows that the
number of unsheltered homeless individuals is 10 percent of the number reported in the 2008
local census.
The DCTED Reporting Requirements:
The DCTED must include a summary of local Unsheltered Homeless Housing Plans and reports
of plan accomplishments in the state Homeless Housing Strategic Plan.
"Unsheltered homeless individual:" means an individual living outside or in a building not
intended for human habitation or in which the individual has no legal right to occupy.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.