5160-S2 AMS FORT S1641.1
2SSB 5160 - S AMD 306
By Senator Fortunato
NOT ADOPTED 03/04/2021
On page 21, after line 36, insert the following:
"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 16. A new section is added to chapter 59.18 RCW to read as follows:
The state is entitled to reimbursement for any rental assistance provided to a tenant through publicly funded rental assistance programs upon a showing that the tenant intentionally failed to pay any outstanding rent debt upon receipt of such rental assistance funds and that the tenant was not suffering any COVID-19 hardship. The state may pursue a civil action to recover such funds and be awarded any court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. This section does not preclude the landlord from taking any collection action to recoup or claim reimbursement for any unpaid rent."
Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
EFFECT: Entitles the state to recover public rental assistance funds upon a showing that a tenant intentionally failed to use such funds to pay rent owed and is not suffering a COVID-19 hardship.
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