The proposed bill, titled the "Bridging Systems to Housing Act," aims to enhance procedures for discharging individuals from various facilities to prevent homelessness. It amends Section 420.626 of the Florida Statutes to revise legislative intent, encouraging collaboration between facilities and a continuum of care lead agency to develop procedures that ensure individuals are not discharged into homelessness without proper connections to housing resources. The bill mandates the Department of Children and Families to conduct a pilot program in Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties, requiring quarterly and annual reports on the program's effectiveness.

Key provisions include the development of discharge plans that address the needs of individuals at risk of homelessness, the sharing of client-level data to facilitate coordinated care, and the establishment of processes to verify individuals' registration with the Homeless Management Information System. The bill also emphasizes the importance of providing necessary resources and information to individuals upon discharge. Additionally, it allows the continuum of care lead agency to evaluate the effectiveness of these procedures and identify areas for improvement in their annual plans. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1132 Filed: 420.626