HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2856

As Reported by House Committee On:

Local Government & Housing

Title: An act relating to the annual revision of performance measures pertaining to homeless housing programs.

Brief Description: Requiring the annual revision of performance measures of certain homeless housing programs.

Sponsors: Representative Miloscia.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government & Housing: 1/27/10, 2/1/10 [DP].

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Nelson, Vice Chair; Miloscia, Springer, Upthegrove, White and Williams.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Angel, Ranking Minority Member; Fagan and Short.

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 (program) 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 state homeless housing strategic plan (state plan), which includes an outline of statewide goals and performance measures. Local governments are also required to produce 10-year homeless housing plans (local government plan). 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 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 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: Available.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The bill would improve the quality of the state plan by requiring the Department to annually revise performance measures and goals. Because of the volatility of the housing market, it is appropriate to have the Department conduct more frequent monitoring of the state plan. The bill would ensure that performance measures are regularly reviewed and revised. Annual losses of housing units should be carefully tracked.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Miloscia, prime sponsor; Sarajane Siegfriedt, Interfaith Taskforce on Homelessness; and Richard Frank, Power.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.