Bill > HB1899

This bill modifies the existing law regarding Washington state's homeless census (or point-in-time count), changing the requirement from an annual count to a count conducted on a schedule determined by the department. The bill maintains strong confidentiality protections for homeless individuals, specifically prohibiting the disclosure of personally identifying information for individuals who may be victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or who have sensitive health information like HIV/AIDS status. The department will now determine the specific data to be collected in consultation with local governments, and will be required to make summary data available to the public each year, incorporating this information into their annual homeless housing program strategic plan. The bill removes previous provisions related to implementing an online referral system and an organizational quality management system. The key changes emphasize flexibility in the count's timing, data collection, and continued protection of vulnerable individuals' privacy.