The bill seeks to enhance economic security in Washington State by updating provisions related to the home security fund and the essential needs and housing support program. Key amendments clarify that essential needs or housing support is not an entitlement and establish specific eligibility criteria for low or extremely low-income elderly or disabled adults transitioning off benefits. The bill introduces a requirement for verification of referrals for essential needs and housing support, allows for direct cash assistance under certain conditions, and mandates that funds be used flexibly to address clients' housing stability needs. Additionally, it outlines the distribution of funds from a new surcharge on recorded documents to various housing support initiatives, emphasizing collaboration between the department and local entities and requiring regular reporting on program effectiveness.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws related to public assistance programs, focusing on eligibility criteria for the aged, blind, or disabled assistance program and the essential needs and housing support program. It establishes a pregnant women assistance program providing financial grants to pregnant individuals who do not qualify for federal or state assistance, with specific eligibility criteria. The bill also includes provisions for referrals to essential needs and housing support, mandates client data sharing among relevant departments, and addresses the vetoed Section 5, which aimed to expand eligibility for the Housing and Essential Needs Referral program, highlighting the need for a plan to implement these changes effectively.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.185C.220, 43.185C.230, 36.22.250, 74.04.005, 74.04.805, 74.62.030
Substitute Bill: 43.185C.220, 43.185C.230, 36.22.250, 74.04.005, 74.04.805, 74.62.030
Engrossed Substitute: 43.185C.220, 43.185C.230, 36.22.250, 74.04.005, 74.04.805, 74.62.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.185C.220, 43.185C.230, 36.22.250, 74.04.005, 74.04.805, 74.62.030
Session Law: 43.185C.220, 43.185C.230, 36.22.250, 74.04.005, 74.04.805, 74.62.030