SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1724
As of February 21, 2022
Title: An act relating to ensuring oversight and coordination of permanent supportive housing resources to maximize the creation of high quality housing opportunities for people living with disabling conditions in communities across Washington.
Brief Description: Ensuring oversight and coordination of permanent supportive housing resources to maximize the creation of high quality housing opportunities for people living with disabling conditions in communities across Washington.
Sponsors: House Committee on Housing, Human Services & Veterans (originally sponsored by Representatives Macri, Ryu, Berry, Taylor, Wicks, Valdez, Morgan, Bateman, Davis, Goodman, Gregerson, Peterson, Santos, Simmons, Chopp, Pollet, Stonier, Ormsby, Harris-Talley and Kloba).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/22, 96-1.
Committee Activity: Housing & Local Government: 2/22/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes an advisory committee on permanent supportive housing within the Department of Commerce.
  • Expands membership of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board to include an operator of permanent supportive housing and services.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Staff: Brandon Popovac (786-7465)
Background:

Permanent Supportive Housing.  Permanent supportive housing is subsidized, leased housing with no limit on the length of stay that prioritizes people who need comprehensive support services to retain tenancy.  Permanent supportive housing uses admissions practices designed to lower barriers to entry that would be typical for other rental housing, especially related to rental history, criminal history, and personal behaviors, and is paired with voluntary on or off-site supportive services.  Permanent supportive housing is often paired with on-site or off-site voluntary services designed to support a person living with a complex and disabling behavioral health or physical health condition who was experiencing homelessness or was at imminent risk of homelessness before moving into housing to retain their housing and be a successful tenant in a housing arrangement, improve the resident's health status, and connect the resident with community-based health care, treatment, or employment services.
 
The state provides funding for the construction, operations, maintenance, and service costs for permanent supportive housing through document recording surcharges and other appropriations. The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is the state agency primarily responsible for administering funding for permanent supportive housing.

 

Affordable Housing Advisory Board. The Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) advises Commerce on housing and housing-related issues.  AHAB has 22 members representing a variety of housing interests around the state.  AHAB must review, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding existing and proposed housing programs and initiatives including, but not limited to, tax policies, land use policies, and financing programs, as well as provide an annual report detailing its findings and making specific program, legislative, and funding recommendations, and any other recommendations it deems appropriate.
Summary of Bill:

Permanent Supportive Housing.  An advisory committee on permanent supportive housing is established, comprising of 26 members appointed by the director of Commerce and reflecting the geographic, racial, and ethnic diversity of the state while including historically marginalized communities.  The advisory committee must:

  • provide guidance and recommendations to Commerce on the administration of permanent supportive housing resources, including recommendations to ensure alignment of capital, services, and operating investments;
  • report annually its recommendations to enhance the coordination and availability of permanent supportive housing to the Legislature and Governor until December 31, 2027; and
  • meet quarterly, with its first meeting to occur by November 1, 2022.

 
The director of Commerce and the director of Commerce's Office of Supportive Housing must regularly consult with the advisory committee.  Commerce must also provide staff support to the advisory committee.

 

Affordable Housing Advisory Board.  The membership of AHAB is expanded to include one representative of organizations that operate site-based permanent supportive housing and deliver onsite supportive housing services.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.  New fiscal note requested on February 17, 2022.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.