HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2185
As Reported by House Committee On:
Early Learning & Human Services
Title: An act relating to the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs advisory committee.
Brief Description: Concerning the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs advisory committee.
Sponsors: Representatives Fey, Leavitt, Reed, Santos, Zahn and Wylie.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Early Learning & Human Services: 1/13/26, 1/23/26 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Expands the membership of the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee to include:  (1) at least two additional individuals over age 25 who experienced homelessness or involvement with a publicly funded system of care as a youth; and (2) at least two individuals who represent populations that are disproportionately homeless or have experience in a publicly funded system of care in the youth and young adult population.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & HUMAN SERVICES
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 11 members:Representatives Bergquist, Chair; Cortes, Vice Chair; Eslick, Ranking Minority Member; Burnett, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bernbaum, Dent, Goodman, Hill, Ortiz-Self, Penner and Taylor.
Staff: Luke Wickham (786-7146).
Background:

Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs.

The Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs (OHY) within the Department of Commerce (DOC) contracts for services and provides resources to reduce and prevent homelessness for unaccompanied youth and young adults ages 12 through 24.

 

Homeless Youth Advisory Committee.

The OHY is required to regularly consult with the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee).  This Advisory Committee must provide guidance and recommendations to the OHY regarding funding, policy, and practice gaps within and among state programs.  The Advisory Committee is staffed by the DOC.

 

Members of the Advisory Committee include:

  • advocates;
  • at least two legislators;
  • at least two parent advocates;
  • at least two youth representatives;
  • at least one representative from law enforcement;
  • service providers; and
  • other stakeholders knowledgeable in the provision of services to homeless youth and young adults.

 

Members of the Advisory Committee are appointed by the Governor, except for the legislators who are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.
Summary of Bill:

The membership of the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) is expanded to include: 

  • at least two additional individuals over age 25 who experienced homelessness or involvement with a publicly funded system of care (the child welfare system, the behavioral health system, the juvenile justice system, and programs administered by the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs) at some point while ages 12 through 24; and
  • at least two individuals who represent populations that are disproportionately homeless or have experience in a publicly funded system of care in the youth and young adult population which includes, but is not limited to, individuals with a tribal affiliation, people of color, and people with a disability.

 

The age of the youth representatives on the Advisory Committee are expanded to allow for youth or young adult representatives under age 25 (instead of under age 18). 

 

A young adult serving on the Advisory Committee who turns age 25 during their term may complete their term on the Advisory Committee even though they are age 25 (and not under age 25).
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The issue of youth homelessness has been around for a long time.  It is vital that programs to support homeless youth are designed.  Youth homelessness is disproportionately experienced by individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and people of color.  The aim of this bill is to expand the membership of the committee to get broader participation and hear these diverse voices.

 

This bill will help bring more voices to the table, especially those with lived experience to inform decisions regarding support for homeless youth. 

 

Currently the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) plays a vital but nonbinding role providing recommendations to the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs.  This bill does not change that; it simply enriches the advisory process by expanding representation and strengthening the quality and relevance of the guidance provided, leading to better informed decision-making.

 

If there is any fiscal impact to this bill, it is minimal and there are ways that it can be reduced.  The work of additional advisory members will be conducted through existing structures and with existing resources.

 

This bill also adds two at large seats and allows for geographic diversity. 

 

This is a good little bill to expand the number of members on the Advisory Committee to ensure that the committee includes the voices of people who have experienced homelessness and care about the mission of preventing and ending youth and young adult homelessness.  This bill adds two new seats for those over age 25 who often have a unique perspective of what was helpful for them.

 

The bill also adds two at-large seats and adds other critical voices, including more parents, youth of color, those with a disability, individuals with a tribal affiliation, and geographic diversity ensuring cross-state and rural representation.

 

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying:

Representative Jake Fey, prime sponsor; Jim Theofelis, NorthStar Advocates; and Viola Ware, Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Advisory Committee.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.