BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SHB 1263

HB 1263: Essential needs program uses

Updating eligible uses for the essential needs and housing support program.

Summary

Authorizes the Department of Commerce to use Essential Needs and Housing program (HEN) funding to support low- or extremely low-income elderly or disabled adults who are transitioning off HEN, are receiving federal benefits, and still have an immediate housing need.
Allows benefits under the HEN program to be provided in the form of direct cash assistance.
Requires the administration rate for HEN support entities to align with the rate for other programs funded through the Home Security Fund.
Modifies the frequency with which HEN support agencies reverify client eligibility for the program from every three months to annually.

From the House Bill Report (HB 1263), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee

AN ACT Relating to updating eligible uses for the essential needs and housing support program;

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

Jan 12, 2026By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (SHB 1263)
Jan 12, 2026By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Feb 4, 2025Referred to Appropriations. (SHB 1263)
Feb 4, 2025Referred to Appropriations.
Jan 31, 2025ELHS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SHB 1263)
Jan 31, 2025ELHS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Jan 31, 2025ELHS - Executive action taken by committee.
Jan 14, 2025First reading, referred to Early Learning & Human Services.

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

HB 1263 (2023–24) Health care marketplace · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1263 (2021–22) Rural infrastructure · Did not pass · stalled on the House floor
HB 1263 (2019–20) Homeless student support · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1263 (2017–18) Powered automatic doors · Did not pass · stalled on the House floor
HB 1263 (2015–16) CPAs/priv. investigator regs · Enacted · Chapter 105, Laws of 2015
HB 1263 (2013–14) Emergency transportation · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1263 (2011–12) Public corrections entities · Enacted · Chapter 68, Laws of 2011
HB 1263 (2009–10) Community custody provisions · Did not pass · died in committee