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 in various living situations and the need for data on subpopulations to align with federal requirements. Instead, it emphasizes that the department will determine the data to be collected in consultation with local governments.

Additionally, the bill reinforces the confidentiality of personal information collected during the census, prohibiting the disclosure of identifying information for individuals who may be victims of domestic violence or other sensitive situations. It also allows for summary data to be shared publicly while ensuring that individual identities remain protected. The previous provisions regarding the implementation of an online information and referral system and an organizational quality management system have been deleted from the bill.

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