Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government & Housing Committee |
HB 2856
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 the annual revision of performance measures of certain homeless housing programs.
Sponsors: Representative Miloscia.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/27/10
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).
Background:
Overview of the Homeless Housing and Assistance Act.
The Legislature enacted the Homeless Housing and Assistance Act (HHAA) in 2005, the goal of which is to implement a program to reduce homelessness by 50 percent statewide and in each county by 2015. Thirty-seven counties participate in this program, as do many cities and the state, through the Department of Commerce (Department). The state and local programs are funded by a $10 surcharge on documents recorded by the county auditor. In 2007 the legislature authorized an additional $8 surcharge for the program.
The revenues generated by both surcharges are distributed to participating counties and cities, as well as the Department. That portion of the funds allocated to the Department are deposited into an account known as the Home Security Fund (Fund), which is administered by the State Treasurer. The Department uses this Fund to administer the program statewide and to fund and administer the Homeless Grant Assistance Program, which provides additional funds for specific county homeless programs. Counties and cities use their surcharge-derived funding for purposes outlined in their local homeless housing plans.
Strategic Plan, Performance Measures, and Monitoring Under the HHAA.
The Department is responsible for producing a 10-year homeless housing strategic plan, which includes an outline of statewide goals and performance measures. Local governments are also required to produce 10-year homeless housing plans. The state strategic plan prepared by the Department must contain proposed program outcomes, as well as performance measures and goals.
Based on the performance of local homeless housing programs in meeting their interim goals, on general population changes, and on changes in the homeless population recorded in the annual census, the Department may revise the performance measures and goals of the state homeless housing strategic plan, set goals for years following the initial 10-year period, and recommend changes in local governments' plans.
Summary of Bill:
The act makes the evaluation and revision of performance measures mandatory on a yearly basis.
Specifically, the Department must annually revise the performance measures and goals of the state homeless housing strategic plan and also either set or adjust the goals of the plan for the years following the initial 10-year period of the plan.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2010.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.