SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5646

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.

As of February 15, 2011

Title: An act relating to allowing for informed telephonic consent for access to housing or homelessness services.

Brief Description: Allowing for informed telephonic consent for access to housing or homelessness services.

Sponsors: Senators Pridemore, Harper and Kline.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/17/11.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff: Shani Bauer (786-7468)

Background: In 2006 the Legislature required the Department of Commerce to implement the Washington Homeless Client Management System by December 31, 2009, in order to collect information about homeless individuals in the state. The system is required to include information from the Washington homeless census, state agencies, and organizations that provide services to the homeless. In collecting information, entities are required to first obtain the written consent of the homeless individual. The consent must be time limited, requiring the entities to periodically obtain a new written consent.

The goal of the management system is to enable local governments and providers to connect homeless persons in the database with available housing.

Summary of Bill: If a homeless individual has previously given written consent to the collection of personally identifying information, subsequent information may be collected after obtaining telephonic consent from the individual so long as safeguards consistent with federal requirements for data collection are in place.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.