The bill amends RCW 43.185C.030 to update the process for conducting the Washington homeless census. It removes the requirement for the census to be conducted annually and instead allows the department to create a schedule for the census. The bill also eliminates specific language regarding the effort to count all homeless individuals living outdoors, in shelters, and in transitional housing, as well as the need to coordinate with existing homeless census projects funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Additionally, it removes the requirement for data on subpopulations and characteristics of the homeless to align with HUD's point-in-time requirements.

The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of personal information collected during the census, prohibiting the disclosure of personally identifying information for individuals who may be victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It also allows for summary data to be shared publicly while ensuring that individual identities remain protected. The department is tasked with making summary data by county available each year, which will be included in the department's annual strategic plan for homeless housing programs. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the census process while maintaining the confidentiality and safety of vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.185C.030
Substitute Bill: 43.185C.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.185C.030
Session Law: 43.185C.030