OLYMPIA — The Washington Senate today approved a bill to help local governments provide sanctioned, temporary and transitional shelters.
Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes) co-sponsored SB 5946, which would streamline permitting for communities that have declared a state of emergency due to the level of homelessness. Under the bill, a temporary shelter would be exempt from the state Environmental Policy Act while still adhering to local regulations and notices.
“We need to remove barriers to provide safe, dignified sleep spaces for our neighbors,” said Lovelett. “Communities need this flexibility to provide emergency services as we respond to the homeless crisis that impacts all of Washington state.”
Having passed the Senate 35-12 with strong bipartisan support, the bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
