The bill amends RCW 43.185C.030 to update the process for conducting the Washington homeless census, aligning it with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) requirements. The department is now required to conduct the census in accordance with HUD's annual notice regarding housing inventory count and point-in-time count data collection. The bill emphasizes the need to count persons experiencing homelessness as defined by this annual notice, while also ensuring that the data collected is consistent with HUD's requirements and the existing state law.

Additionally, the bill reinforces the confidentiality of personal information collected during the census, prohibiting the disclosure of any identifying information about individuals who may be victims of domestic violence or other sensitive situations. The department and local governments are tasked with protecting the identity of those counted and may only provide summary data without revealing personal details. The requirement for an annual census remains, but the specific provisions for implementing an online information and referral system and a quality management system have been removed from the bill.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.185C.030