Governor’s bill advances to address homeless individuals living in state rights-of-way

A bill that Governor Inslee requested to create coordination in addressing state rights-of-way encampments has passed the Senate.

SB 5662 was amended to respond to concerns of homeless advocates that it is not used as a tool to effectuate “sweeps” and to better integrate with existing service networks. With those amendments, it still retains its primary vision of creating an office at the Department of Social and Health Services to coordinate with local governments and nonprofits on the ground to help provide services and support to homeless individuals living in the state rights-of-way.