Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee
HB 1737
Brief Description: Enacting the reconciliation act.
Sponsors: Representatives Morgan, Street, Kretz, Waters, Reeves, Reed, Entenman, Donaghy, Cheney, Walsh, Wylie, Stearns, Orwall, Taylor, Chapman, Berg, Graham, Gregerson, Ormsby, Ramel, Santos, Caldier, Pollet, Macri and Fosse.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Changes the name of the Community Reinvestment Account to the Community Reconciliation Account. 
  • Allows expenditures from the Community Reconciliation Account for agricultural and economic support and services available to historically marginalized communities, and for programs and services that use an evidence-based community assessment model aimed at addressing root causes of violence in communities. 
Hearing Date: 2/9/23
Staff: Jessica Van Horne (786-7288).
Background:

The Community Reinvestment Account (Account) is an appropriated account that was created by the 2022 Supplemental Operating Budget.  Expenditures from the account may be used by the Department of Commerce (Commerce) for:  (1) economic development programs, including addressing wealth disparities through asset building and providing access to financial resources such as small business grants, loans, and other training and support activities; (2) civil and criminal legal assistance to provide postconviction relief and case assistance; (3) community-based violence intervention and prevention services; and (4) reentry services to facilitate successful transitions for persons formerly incarcerated in an adult correctional facility or juvenile residential facility in Washington.  Commerce must collaborate with the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs and "by and for community organizations," as defined by Commerce and the Office of Equity, in distributing grants funded out of the Account.

Summary of Bill:

Beginning July 1, 2024, the Community Reinvestment Account is renamed the Community Reconciliation Account.  In addition to existing allowable uses, Commerce may use expenditures from the Account for agricultural and economic support and services available to historically marginalized communities.  Commerce may also use expenditures from the Account for programs or services that use an evidence-based community assessment model aimed at addressing root causes of violence in communities, including programs or services with a goal of increasing high school graduation rates; building a culture of empathy, equity, and connection; achieving positive health outcomes or enhancing resiliency; or creating a supportive community environment. 

Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024.