The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance housing programs administered by the Department of Commerce, with a strong emphasis on affordable housing for low-income households and marginalized communities. It mandates that at least 30% of funding be allocated to rural areas and prioritizes organizations led by individuals disproportionately affected by homelessness. The bill introduces new language that underscores the necessity for affordable housing and clarifies the use of funds from the housing trust fund, allowing for a wider range of activities, including preconstruction technical assistance. Additionally, it establishes criteria for evaluating housing project applications in collaboration with public entities.

Moreover, the bill modifies transitional housing assistance for offenders reentering the community, establishing a pilot program that prioritizes high-risk offenders and includes supportive services. It expands eligibility for transitional housing assistance to include families with children and individuals with mental health or chemical dependency issues. The bill also updates references to the Department of Commerce and reorganizes housing-related statutes, reflecting a modernized legal framework. Furthermore, it addresses tax law by detailing interest and penalty assessments for unpaid taxes, with penalties directed to the housing trust fund, and recodifies several sections related to housing assistance programs to ensure clarity and organization in the legal structure.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.185.010, 43.185.030, 43.185.070, 43.185.074, 43.185.080, 43.185A.010, 43.185A.020, 43.185B.020, 43.185A.070, 18.85.311, 18.85.321, 39.35D.080, 43.63A.680, 43.79.201, 43.185C.200, 43.185C.210, 47.12.063, 59.24.060, 82.14.400, 82.45.100
Substitute Bill: 43.185.010, 43.185.030, 43.185.070, 43.185.074, 43.185.080, 43.185A.010, 43.185A.020, 43.185B.020, 43.185A.070, 18.85.311, 18.85.321, 39.35D.080, 43.63A.680, 43.79.201, 43.185C.200, 43.185C.210, 47.12.063, 59.24.060, 82.14.400, 82.45.100