BILL · 2017–18 SESSION

SB 5656: Ending homelessness

Concerning the goal of ending homelessness.

Summary

Expands the definition of neglect to include a runaway or unaccompanied homeless child.
Expands mandated reporter requirements to street youth services staff and people who work with children.
Mandates that a parent, legal guardian, or caregiver who knowingly fails to report to law enforcement that a child in their care has been missing for more than 48 hours is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Preempts homeless encampments.
Creates presumption that a person is gravely disabled for the purposes of civil commitment if the person is an active heroin user who has been homeless for at least one year.
Revises the Homeless Housing and Assistance Act.

From the Senate Bill Report (Orig.) (SB 5656), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee

AN ACT Relating to ending homelessness;

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

Jan 8, 2018Due to Senate committee reorganization, referred to Human Services & Corrections.
Jan 8, 2018By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Jun 21, 2017By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
May 23, 2017By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Apr 24, 2017By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Feb 1, 2017First reading, referred to Human Services, Mental Health & Housing.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

SB 5656 (2025–26) Aquatic lease inflation rate · Enacted · Chapter 151, Laws of 2025
SB 5656 (2023–24) School security grants · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5656 (2021–22) Fish and wildlife commission · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5656 (2019–20) Public works contracting · Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor
SB 5656 (2015–16) Distracted driving incidents · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5656 (2013–14) Business licensing systems · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5656 (2011–12) Indian child welfare act · Enacted · Chapter 309, Laws of 2011
SB 5656 (2009–10) Splitting DSHS into agencies · Did not pass · died in committee