Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 1019
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: Removing the requirement that housing organizations apply to the Washington state quality award program.
Sponsors: Representative Appleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/20/15
Staff: Kirsten Lee (786-7133).
Background:
Transitional Housing Operating and Rent Program.
The Transitional Housing Operating and Rent Program (THOR) is created within the Department of Commerce (Department) to assist individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The Department awards grants to eligible organizations to provide rental assistance, case management support for program participants, and funds for the operating expenses of transitional housing facilities. Eligible organizations include local governments and housing authorities, tribes, and not-for-profit organizations.
The THOR has recently been consolidated and is now part of the Department's Consolidated Homeless Grant program.
Washington State Quality Award Program.
The Washington State Quality Award (WSQA) program recognizes organizations that have implemented and achieved exceptional quality performance. The WSQA program is administered by a board of directors and large group of volunteers operating as a non-profit organization. The program receives applications from organizations seeking feedback and recognition for significant performance efforts. Through an assessment process of evaluation and scoring, the program decides whether to give the WSQA to the organization.
Effective in 2011, each eligible organization receiving over $500,000 a year from the THOR and other state housing programs, or local recording fee surcharges, must apply to the WSQA program once every three years for an assessment of the organization's quality management, accountability, and performance systems. Cities and counties are exempt from this requirement until 2018.
Beginning in 2012, each executive agency must apply to the WSQA program or a similar organization once every three years.
Summary of Bill:
The requirement for eligible organizations receiving over $500,000 a year from the THOR, other state housing programs, or local recording fee surcharges, to apply for the WSQA once every three years is eliminated.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.