FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5482

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.

C 110 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing existing funding to house victims of human trafficking and their families.

Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Hobbs, Eide, Keiser, Fraser, Prentice and Conway.

Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance

House Committee on Community Development & Housing

House Committee on General Government Appropriations & Oversight

Background: Affordable Housing for All Surcharge. There is a $10 recording surcharge fee, of which the county auditor retains up to 5 percent for the collection and administration of the funds. Forty percent of the funds collected are remitted to the state Affordable Housing for All Account. The Department of Commerce (Commerce) uses these funds to provide housing and shelter for extremely low-income households. The remaining funds may be used by the counties to fund eligible housing activities for very low-income households, with priority for extremely low-income households by funding:

Homeless Housing Recording Surcharge. The Legislature enacted the Homeless Housing and Assistance Act in 2005, the goal of which is to reduce homelessness by 50 percent statewide and in each county by July 1, 2015. This goal is to be achieved through the creation of plans to address the causes of homelessness and the implementation of solutions to homelessness through state and county homeless housing programs. The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program is funded by a $10 surcharge for certain documents recorded by the county auditor. Of that $10 surcharge:

During the 2009-2011 and 2011-2013 biennia, the $10 surcharge is increased to $30.

There is also an $8 recording surcharge, of which:

Summary: The funds received by both Commerce and counties under the Affordable Housing for All Surcharge may be used to house victims of human trafficking, and their families. Funds from the Home Security Fund may also be used to house victims of human trafficking, and their families.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

49

0

House

94

0

Effective:

July 22, 2011.