Although the bill that intended to create state and local coordination in addressing right-of-way encampments failed to pass, the Legislature picked up the baton in the budget process.
SB 5662 was a Governor-request bill with a noble intent—to create coordination in addressing
state rights-of-way encampments. The title of the bill was, “An act relating to intergovernmental coordination to address transitioning persons encamped on state public rights-of-way to permanent housing solutions” (Emphasis added).
AWC supported this bill, as introduced.
Unfortunately, SB 5662 was significantly amended in ways that made it challenging for cities and no longer seemed in line with the goal of reducing the number of people living in right-of-way encampments. The bill that passed out of the
House policy committee removed all language about closing encampments, establishing regional coordination and outreach teams, and funding to address those unhoused.
The bill died under its own weight; but thankfully, the Legislature addressed this important issue through the supplemental budget process appropriating the following significant funding:
- Operating budget: $45 million for a grant program to transition encamped individuals living on state-owned rights-of-way to permanent housing; and
- Transportation budget: $7 million, including:
- At least $2 million must be used for more frequent debris removal from the right-of-way generated by unsheltered people; and
- $2 million to contract with the City of Fife to address those encamped on WSDOT right-of-way.