CCAT Housing Committee – Update on HB-1032 Amendments & Request for Feedback
Julia Scanlan
Good afternoon CCAT Housing Committee Members,
We want to provide an important update on HB-1032 Improving Infrastructure to Reduce Homelessness and the amendments that have been introduced to address CCAT’s initial concerns. Given that the bill is scheduled for committee testimony this Wednesday afternoon, CCAT staff will be requesting authority from the Governing Board to move to a "support with amendments" position while testifying.
To ensure that we accurately reflect the perspectives of our membership, we are asking for any additional concerns that are not addressed by the proposed amendments to be shared with us no later than COB tomorrow (Tuesday).
The amendment concepts and updated fact sheet are both attached for your consideration.
Next Steps & Immediate Action Required
- If you have additional concerns that are not addressed by these amendments, please let us know by COB tomorrow (Tuesday).
- CCAT staff will be requesting the Governing Board's authority to move to a "support with amendments" position while testifying in committee this Wednesday.
CCAT's Initial Concerns & How Amendments Address Them
State Council Membership & Data Considerations
- Concern: The Governor’s Council lacked a requirement for geographic diversity in its membership, and there was no statutory assurance that data collection would reflect regional differences.
- Amendment: DOLA’s Executive Director will now select advisory committee members instead of the Governor, ensuring better alignment with regional and community needs. Additionally, the Council’s annual reporting under DOLA will emphasize collaboration with CoCs and Navigation Centers.
Creation of a New Local Government Entity & Structure of Regional Responses
- Concern: Some commissioners questioned whether a new entity was necessary and whether local/regional housing authorities could take on this role instead. Additionally, the threshold of 200 signatures to form a district seemed low.
- Amendment: The bill now transitions from a "special district" model to a multi-jurisdictional authority requiring intergovernmental agreements between local governments. This maintains local control while still enabling regional responses.
Local Government Representation on the Council
- Concern: The bill originally only provided one seat for a local government elected official, raising concerns about adequate representation.
- Amendment: DOLA will now ensure equitable geographic and demographic representation in the Advisory Committee and will appoint additional members as necessary, including representatives from Public Housing Authorities and certified Peer Specialists.
State-Local Government Coordination
- Concern: It was unclear how the state council would interact with local governments already addressing homelessness through existing plans and strategies.
- Amendment: The Council will advise and make recommendations rather than exercise direct powers and duties, ensuring a more collaborative approach with local efforts.
Role of County Clerks in Doc Fee Allocation
- Concern: The bill originally allowed county clerks to decide how recording fees would be used for housing, which contradicts existing law that grants funding authority to county commissioners.
- Amendment: The bill now removes county clerks from this decision-making process, restoring authority to county governments.
Your timely feedback is crucial in ensuring that CCAT’s position accurately reflects the interests of our member counties. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
-Julia
