title: RCW 43.60A.190

text:
(1) The department shall:
(a) Maintain a current list of certified veteran-owned businesses; and
(b) Make the list of certified veteran-owned businesses available on the department's public website.
(2) To qualify as a certified veteran-owned business, the business must:
(a) Be at least fifty-one percent owned and controlled by:
(i) A person who at the time he or she seeks certification is a veteran as defined in RCW 41.04.007;
(ii) A person who is in receipt of disability compensation or pension from the department of veterans affairs; or
(iii) An active or reserve member in any branch of the armed forces of the United States, including the national guard, coast guard, and armed forces reserves; and
(b) Be either an enterprise which is incorporated in the state of Washington as a Washington domestic corporation, or an enterprise whose principal place of business is located within the state of Washington for enterprises which are not incorporated.
(3) To participate in the linked deposit program under chapter 43.86A RCW, a veteran-owned business qualified under this section must be certified by the department as a business:
(a) In which the veteran owner possesses and exercises sufficient expertise specifically in the business's field of operation to make decisions governing the long-term direction and the day-to-day operations of the business;
(b) That is organized for profit and performing a commercially useful function; and
(c) That meets the criteria for a small business concern as established under chapter 39.19 RCW.
(4) The department shall create a logo for the purpose of identifying veteran-owned businesses to the public. The department shall put the logo on an adhesive sticker or decal suitable for display in a business window and distribute the stickers or decals to veteran-owned businesses listed with the department.
(5)(a) Businesses may submit an application on a form prescribed by the department to apply for certification under this section.
(b) The department must notify the state treasurer of veteran-owned businesses who have participated in the linked deposit program and are no longer certified under this section. The written notification to the state treasurer must contain information regarding the reasons for the decertification and information on financing provided to the veteran-owned business under RCW 43.86A.060.
(6) The department may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
[ 2024 c 146 s 22; 2017 c 185 s 7; 2014 c 182 s 1; 2008 c 187 s 1; 2007 c 11 s 1.]
Notes:
Intent—2024 c 146: See note following RCW 73.04.005.

catchline: Certified veteran-owned businesses.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 43.60A.195

text:
(1) The department shall develop a procedure for certifying veteran-owned businesses and maintain a list of veteran-owned businesses on the department's public website.
(2) The department shall adopt rules necessary to implement chapter 5, Laws of 2010. The department shall consult agencies to determine what specific information they must report to the department.
(3) The department shall collaborate with and may assist agencies in implementing outreach to veteran-owned businesses.
[ 2010 c 5 s 3.]
Notes:
Purpose—Construction—2010 c 5: See notes following RCW 43.60A.010.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 43.60A.200

text:
(1) State agencies are encouraged to award three percent of all procurement contracts that are exempt from competitive bidding requirements under *RCW 43.19.1906(2) to veteran-owned businesses certified by the department under RCW 43.60A.195.
(2) State agencies shall:
(a) Perform outreach to veteran-owned businesses in collaboration with the department to increase opportunities for veteran-owned businesses to sell goods and services to the state; and
(b) Work to match agency procurement records with the department's database of certified veteran-owned businesses to establish how many procurement contracts are being awarded to those businesses.
[ 2010 c 5 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.19.1906 was repealed by 2012 c 224 s 29, effective January 1, 2013.
Purpose—Construction—2010 c 5: See notes following RCW 43.60A.010.

catchline: Awards of procurement contracts by state agencies to veteran-owned businesses.


title: RCW 43.60A.210

text:
Any retailer in the state may provide an opportunity for patrons to make voluntary donations to the disabled veterans assistance account created in RCW 43.60A.215 on Veterans Day and any additional days the retailer decides would be appropriate.
[ 2010 c 90 s 1.]

catchline: Donations to disabled veterans assistance account.


title: RCW 43.60A.215

text:
(1) The disabled veterans assistance account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. Disbursements of funds must be on the authorization of the director or the director's designee, and only for the purposes stated in subsection (4) of this section. In order to maintain an effective expenditure and revenue control, funds are subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required to permit the expenditure of the funds.
(2) The department may request and accept nondedicated contributions, grants, or gifts in cash or otherwise, including funds generated by voluntary donations under RCW 43.60A.210.
(3) All receipts from voluntary donations under RCW 43.60A.210 must be deposited into the account.
(4) All moneys deposited into the account must be used by the department for activities that benefit veterans including, but not limited to, providing programs and services that assist veterans with the procurement of durable medical equipment, mobility enhancing equipment, emergency home or vehicle repair, emergency food or emergency shelter, or service animals. The first priority for assistance provided through the account must be given to veterans who are experiencing a financial hardship and do not qualify for other federal or state veterans programs and services. Funds from the account may not be used to supplant existing funds received by the department.
(5) For the purposes of this section, "veteran" has the same meaning as in RCW 41.04.005 and 41.04.007, and also means an actively serving member of the national guard or reserves, or is active duty military personnel.
[ 2010 c 90 s 2.]

catchline: Disabled veterans assistance account.


title: RCW 43.60A.220

text:
The coordinator for the helmets to hardhats program is created in the department of veterans affairs, subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose. The department shall establish procedures for coordinating with the national helmets to hardhats program and other opportunities for veterans to obtain skilled training and employment in the construction industry.
[ 2015 c 216 s 1.]

catchline: Helmets to hardhats program.


title: RCW 43.60A.225

text:
The department must support veterans by providing information regarding available veterans services. Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for the specific purposes provided in this section, the department must:
(1) Contact veterans within 90 days of receipt of a discharge notice from the department of defense and provide information about veterans benefits and services; and
(2) Beginning December 1, 2028, and every two years thereafter, report to the governor and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature regarding veterans services. The report must include, at a minimum:
(a) The number of veterans residing in each county;
(b) The number and type of veterans services available in each county;
(c) The number of veterans served in the reporting period by the department, veterans service officer program, and counties contracting with the department for veterans services, including the number of veterans served who reside in an adjacent county;
(d) The number of claims filed in the reporting period by veterans service organizations contracting with the department;
(e) The percentage of veterans served in the reporting period who received service-related disability and nonservice-connected veterans' pensions; and
(f) Identification of:
(i) Each county where the percentage of the veteran population receiving service-related disability and nonservice-connected veterans' pensions is below the national average; and
(ii) Each county that does not provide access to a veterans service officer through the veterans' assistance program defined in RCW 73.08.005, through a contract with the department, through the veterans service officer program described in RCW 43.60A.230, or directly through the department.
[ 2025 c 294 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2025 c 294: "The legislature finds that veterans are eligible for state and federal benefits, but may be unaware of those benefits or the process to apply for them. Veterans service officers serve a critical role in assisting veterans and their families with identifying and applying for federal benefits, including health care, service-connected disability, nonservice-connected pension, employment, education, housing, burial, and survival benefits. The federal department of veterans affairs provides over $6.5 billion per year in benefits to veterans in Washington. The average veteran receiving service-connected disability compensation benefits receives over $1,700 per month.
The legislature further finds that nationwide, approximately 32 percent of veterans receive federal disability compensation. Washington currently has approximately 530,000 resident veterans, but only 158,000 veterans are receiving federal benefits. Currently, veterans in 15 Washington counties receive benefits at or above the national average, 21 counties are within 10 percent of the national average, and three counties are more than 10 percent below the national average.
Therefore, the legislature intends to expand the veterans service officer program started in 2019 to increase the number of veterans applying for and receiving federal benefits. The program's first veterans service officer assisting veterans in the identification of benefits and filing of claims increased the number of veterans applying for benefits from 13 in the first year to 323 in the third year, and from no annual disability payments to $2,696,524 in federal benefits each year. The Washington state department of veterans affairs' September 30, 2024, veterans service officer program report estimates the cost to expand the program is $160,000 per year for each additional county. The legislature intends to expand the program by one to two veterans service officers per biennium beginning with the counties with the lowest percentage of benefits received, until all counties are at or above the national average." [ 2025 c 294 s 1.]
Effective date—2025 c 294: "This act takes effect July 1, 2028." [ 2025 c 294 s 4.]

catchline: Provision of information about benefits and services—Reports. (Effective July 1, 2028.)


title: RCW 43.60A.230

text:
(1) There is created in the department the veterans service officer program. The purpose of the veterans service officer program is to provide funding to underserved eligible counties to establish and maintain a veterans service officer within the county. "Eligible counties," for the purposes of this section, means counties with a population of one hundred thousand or less.
(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated in the veterans service officer fund under RCW 43.60A.235 for the specific purposes provided in this section, the department must:
(a) Establish a process to educate local governments, veterans, and those still serving in the national guard or armed forces reserve of the veterans service officer program;
(b) Develop partnerships with local governments to assist in establishing and maintaining local veterans service officers in eligible counties who elect to have a veterans service officer; and
(c) Provide funding to support eligible counties in establishing and maintaining local accredited veterans service officers. Funding is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding may only be provided to support the equivalent of one full-time veterans service officer per eligible county.
(3) The application process for the veterans service officer program must be prescribed as to manner and form by the department.
[ 2019 c 223 s 1.]
PDF
RCW 43.60A.230
Veterans service officer program. (Effective July 1, 2028.)
(1) There is created in the department the veterans service officer program. The purpose of the veterans service officer program is to provide funding to underserved eligible counties to establish and maintain a veterans service officer within the county. "Eligible counties," for the purposes of this section, means counties where the percentage of the veteran population receiving federal disability or pension compensation is below the national average.
(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for the specific purposes provided in this section, the department must:
(a) Establish a process to educate local governments, veterans, and those still serving in the national guard or armed forces reserve of the veterans service officer program;
(b) Develop partnerships with local governments to assist in establishing and maintaining local veterans service officers in eligible counties who elect to have a veterans service officer; and
(c) Provide funding to support eligible counties in establishing and maintaining local accredited veterans service officers. The department shall prioritize additional funding to eligible counties with the lowest percentage of the veteran population receiving federal disability or pension compensation, and then to eligible counties without a veterans service officer.
(3) The application process for the veterans service officer program must be prescribed as to manner and form by the department.
(4) The department may adopt rules necessary to implement this section. The department shall include a requirement that any county that participates in the veterans service officer program must allow any veteran residing in an adjacent county access to the county's veterans service officer.
[ 2025 c 294 s 3; 2019 c 223 s 1.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2025 c 294: See notes following RCW 43.60A.225.

catchline: Veterans service officer program. (Effective until July 1, 2028.)


title: RCW 43.60A.235

text:
(1) There is created in the custody of the state treasurer an account to be known as the veterans service officer fund. Revenues to the fund consist of appropriations by the legislature, private contributions, and all other sources deposited in the fund.
(2) Expenditures from the fund may only be used for the purposes of the veterans service officer program under RCW 43.60A.230, including administrative expenses. Only the director, or the director's designee, may authorize expenditures. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
[ 2019 c 223 s 2.]

catchline: Veterans service officer fund.


title: RCW 43.60A.237

text:
It is the intent of the legislature to increase state appropriations for veterans service officer and peer mentoring programs with chapter 224, Laws of 2023. As a result, and subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall provide grants to counties of the state in order to develop or expand veterans service officer programs, peer-to-peer support programs, and other services and programs to assist veterans in areas where these programs and services are needed. In distributing these grants, the department must prioritize counties with smaller populations and counties that are below the national average in the percentage of veterans receiving federal disability or pension compensation.
[ 2023 c 224 s 4.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2023 c 224: "The legislature finds that it is vital for veterans in their return to our communities to have adequate community supports. Local programs that connect veterans with their federal benefits and with other veterans for peer support are crucial components of that structure. It is the intent of the legislature through this act to enhance state funding of these programs to ensure they are robust and widely available throughout the state." [ 2023 c 224 s 1.]

catchline: Veterans service officer and peer mentoring programs—Grants.


title: RCW 43.60A.240

text:
(1) The position of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer coordinator is created within the department.
(2) The duties of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer coordinator include, but are not limited to:
(a) Conducting outreach to, and providing assistance designed for the unique needs of, veterans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, and to the spouses and dependents of such veterans;
(b) Providing assistance to veterans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer in applying for an upgrade to the character of a discharge from service or a change in the narrative reason for a discharge from service;
(c) Providing assistance in applying for and obtaining veterans' benefits and benefits available through other programs that provide services and resources to veterans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, and to the spouses and dependents of such veterans;
(d) Providing assistance to veterans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer in applying for, and in appealing any denial of, federal and state veterans' benefits and aid that such veterans, and the spouses and dependents of such veterans, may be entitled to; and
(e) Developing and distributing informational materials to veterans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, and to the spouses and dependents of such veterans, regarding veterans' benefits and other benefit programs that provide services and resources to veterans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, and to the spouses and dependents of such veterans.
(3) No later than December 15, 2021, the department must prepare and submit a report to the governor, the joint committee on veterans' and military affairs, and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature regarding the implementation and status of the position of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer coordinator created under subsection (1) of this section. The report must include, at a minimum, information regarding the following:
(a) The number of veterans served;
(b) The type of assistance provided;
(c) Recommendations for the improvement and expansion of the services provided by the coordinator; and
(d) Recommendations for legislative changes.
[ 2020 c 56 s 2.]
Notes:
Legislative declaration—2020 c 56: "The legislature declares that veterans must be able to access and receive the benefits and services they have earned in service to our country without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity. The legislature further declares that connecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer veterans to their earned and related benefits and services, and to programs, resources, and information about such benefits and services, promotes the economic security and financial stability of veterans, and their spouses and dependents." [ 2020 c 56 s 1.]

catchline: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer coordinator—Created—Duties—Report.


title: RCW 43.60A.245

text:
(1) The position of military spouse liaison is created within the department.
(2) The duties of the military spouse liaison include, but are not limited to:
(a) Conducting outreach to and advocating on behalf of military spouses in Washington;
(b) Providing assistance and information to military spouses seeking professional licenses and credentials or other employment in Washington;
(c) Coordinating research on issues facing military spouses and creating informational materials to assist military spouses and their families;
(d) Examining barriers and providing recommendations to assist spouses in accessing high quality child care and developing resources in coordination with military installations and the department of children, youth, and families to increase access to high quality child care for military families; and
(e) Developing, in coordination with the employment security department and employers, a common form for military spouses to complete highlighting specific skills, education, and training to help spouses quickly find meaningful employment in relevant economic sectors.
(3) The military spouse liaison is encouraged to periodically report on the work of the liaison to the relevant standing committees of the legislature and the joint committee on veterans' and military affairs and participate in policy development relating to military spouses.
[ 2020 c 328 s 1.]

catchline: Military spouse liaison—Created—Duties.


title: RCW 43.60A.247

text:
(1) The department, the employment security department, and the department of commerce shall consult local chambers of commerce, associate development organizations, and businesses to initiate a demonstration campaign to increase military spouse employment. This campaign may include partnerships with chambers of commerce that result in business owners sharing, with the local chamber of commerce, information on the number of military spouses employed and the local chambers of commerce providing this information to the department.
(2) Participants in the campaign are encouraged to work with the Washington state military transition council and county veterans' advisory boards under RCW 73.08.035.
(3) Funding for the campaign shall be established from existing resources.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "military spouse" means any person married or previously married to a military service member, irrespective of the length of the marriage, during the military service member's service in any branch of the United States armed forces as an active duty service member, reservist, or national guard member.
[ 2023 c 165 s 8.]
Notes:
Short title—Finding—Intent—2023 c 165: See notes following RCW 18.340.020.

catchline: Demonstration campaign to increase military spouse employment.


title: RCW 43.60A.250

text:
(1) The department is authorized to erect signs recognizing that Washington state is a purple heart state as designated in RCW 1.20.190. The department is authorized to accept gifts or donations to assist efforts related to Washington state being a purple heart state.
(2) The department of veterans affairs purple heart state account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from gifts and donations received pursuant to this section must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may only be used to erect signs or other activities that assist efforts related to Washington state being a purple heart state, as authorized under this section. Only the director of the department of veterans affairs or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
[ 2021 c 213 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—2021 c 213: See note following RCW 1.20.190.

catchline: Purple heart state—Signage—Account.


title: RCW 43.60A.260

text:
(1) There is created in the department a suicide prevention community-based services grant program. The purpose of the grant program is to provide suicide prevention, peer support, and other assistance to at-risk and transitioning veterans and military members and their families in their communities.
(2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for the specific purposes provided in this section and amounts disbursed from the veterans and military members suicide prevention account created in RCW 43.60A.270, the department, in consultation with the forefront suicide prevention center, must establish a process to receive, review, process, and award grants to organizations, including nonprofit and peer support community programs, that address veterans, military members, and their families who may be at risk of suicide and other mental health crises. Priority should be given to organizations using peer support models that use evidence-based, research-based, or promising practices.
(3) The department shall report to the legislature annually beginning July 1, 2023, on grant recipients, number of veterans and military members served, and the types of services offered by grant recipients.
(4) The forefront suicide prevention center shall evaluate the effectiveness of each grant program recipient providing suicide prevention and peer support services to veterans, military members, and their families who may be at risk of suicide and other mental health crises.
(5) For the purposes of this section, "forefront suicide prevention center" means the University of Washington's forefront suicide prevention center of excellence.
[ 2022 c 191 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 191: "(1) Suicide is a public health issue that affects many Washington families and communities daily. Over the last 10 years, Washington state has been at the forefront of suicide prevention, investing more in upstream suicide prevention strategies and supports with the goal of a noteworthy reduction in suicide by 2025.
(2) At the request of the governor, in 2020 Washington stakeholders engaged in a national and statewide initiative to end veteran and military member suicide. This initiative culminated in a new state plan to educate providers and help them address the unique needs of veterans and military members, particularly those in transition to civilian life; and to provide resources and supports including improved lethal means safety training. The purpose of this act is to support the implementation of that plan.
(3) Service members, veterans, and their families are at a higher risk of being affected by suicide as experiences prior to enlistment, during service, and transition from service can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A report on post-9/11 era military deaths by the United States department of veterans affairs found that service members are four times more likely to die by suicide than in military operations. Over 7,000 service members died in combat during the global war on terror, while more than 30,000 active duty members and veterans died by suicide. For veterans of all United States military operations, there is an average of 22 suicide deaths per day across the country, with one occurring every 65 minutes.
(4) Washington is home to 544,290 veterans, 60,699 active duty service members, 17,941 guard and reserve service members, and 2,000,000 military and veteran family members. Although veterans themselves make up only seven percent of the Washington population, they account for 19 percent of total suicides in the state. Nearly 1,000 veterans have died by suicide in Washington state over the last five years. More than two-thirds of veterans who died by suicide in Washington used a firearm.
(5) Family members of veterans who die by suicide are at higher risk for future suicide due to the exposure of experiencing suicide loss. Research shows for every suicide that occurs, 135 people suffer from the effects either directly or indirectly, meaning veteran suicides impact a community of 2,600,000 people.
(6) There is no one path to suicide, but life experiences, moral injury, trauma, culture, and health can play a major role in suicidal behavior. Military and veteran culture in particular includes stigma around mental wellness and help-seeking behavior, emphasizes reliability on group cohesion, and facilitates access, comfortability, and familiarity with lethal means such as firearms. Additionally, a significant number of veterans do not seek care within the veterans administration system.
(7) The legislature intends to address the tragedy of suicide amongst veterans, military members, and their families through support of professionals and community and peer organizations serving veterans, cultural changes that support help-seeking behaviors, and investments in education, training, prevention, and care." [ 2022 c 191 s 1.]

catchline: Suicide prevention community-based services grant program.


title: RCW 43.60A.270

text:
(1) The veterans and military members suicide prevention account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. The account shall consist of funds appropriated by the legislature, revenues received from the prevent veteran suicide emblem under RCW 46.18.300, and all receipts from gifts, grants, bequests, devises, or other donations from public and private sources to support veterans and military members suicide prevention measures. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the purposes provided in subsection (3) of this section. Only the director or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
(2)(a) The department may request and accept nondedicated contributions, grants, or gifts in cash or otherwise, and voluntary donations for deposit into the account, including funds generated by voluntary donations under (b) of this subsection.
(b) The department may accept, for deposit into the account, voluntary donations from persons who are: (i) Applying for a concealed pistol license or renewal of a concealed pistol license; or (ii) undergoing a background check under chapter 9.41 RCW in connection with the purchase of a firearm from a firearms dealer. The department shall coordinate with local law enforcement agencies, the department of licensing, and firearms dealers licensed under chapter 9.41 RCW to develop a form and process for publicizing and collecting voluntary donations under this subsection. The department and the department of licensing shall post educational information regarding the voluntary donation provisions of this section on their websites.
(3) All moneys deposited into the account must be used for activities that are dedicated to the benefit of veteran and military member suicide education and prevention including, but not limited to: (a) Expanding the department's peer corps program; and (b) providing programs, peer support, and services that assist veterans and military members in addressing mental health and wellness impacts of military service, trauma, moral injury, and transition to civilian life. Funds may also be used for the suicide prevention community-based services grant program established in RCW 43.60A.260. Funds from the account may not be used to supplant existing funds received by the department nor shall grant recipients use the funds to supplant existing funding.
(4) For the purposes of this section the following definitions apply:
(a) "Veteran" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 41.04.005 and 41.04.007.
(b) "Military members" means actively serving members of the national guard or reserves, or active duty military personnel.
(c) "Account" means the veterans and military members suicide prevention account.
[ 2022 c 191 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 191: See note following RCW 43.60A.260.

catchline: Veterans and military members suicide prevention account.


title: RCW 43.60A.275

text:
Beginning December 2022, subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the governor's challenge team and service members, veterans, and their families suicide prevention advisory committee shall report to the legislature on a biannual basis regarding implementation of the plan developed by the committee.
[ 2022 c 191 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 191: See note following RCW 43.60A.260.

catchline: Governor's challenge team and service members, veterans, and their families suicide prevention advisory committee—Biannual report on plan implementation.


title: RCW 43.60A.280

text:
Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall:
(1) Create and maintain a database of information on nonprofit, for-profit, city, county, state, and federal organizations, providers, and resources that address the mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention of veterans, military members, and their families. The department shall establish criteria for inclusion in the database by July 1, 2022. The department must make the database accessible on its website to veterans, military members, and their families by July 1, 2023;
(2) Provide suicide prevention education training and information for veterans, military members, and their families that is accessible through the internet; and
(3) By December 1, 2023, create, in consultation with the suicide-safer homes task force, a web-based application to be shared by state agencies and primary care providers with veterans, military members, and their families to provide applicable information and resources including but not limited to benefits, mental health resources, and lethal means safety information.
[ 2022 c 191 s 5.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 191: See note following RCW 43.60A.260.

catchline: Mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention resources.


title: RCW 43.60A.290

text:
(1) For the protection of applicants and clients, the department and its respective officers and employees are prohibited, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, from disclosing veteran discharge or separation documents, such as DD Form 214 or NGB Form 22. Such records shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure except as provided in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) The provisions of this section do not apply to:
(a) A veteran requesting the veteran's own discharge or separation documents;
(b) A veteran's next of kin;
(c) A deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor;
(d) A person holding a veteran's general power of attorney;
(e) Duly designated representatives of accredited veterans service organizations; or
(f) Sharing agreements among other government entities.
(3) For purposes of this section, "next of kin" means any of the following: An unremarried widow or widower, son, daughter, father, mother, brother, or sister of a deceased veteran.
[ 2023 c 327 s 5.]

catchline: Discharge and separation documents—Confidential.


title: RCW 43.60A.800

text:
The department shall develop and implement an outreach program to ensure that veterans as defined in RCW 41.04.005 and 41.04.007 are aware of state veterans' benefits and programs. Outreach information shall explain, in an easy to understand format, changes in the law made by chapter 146, Laws of 2024, unchanged eligibility requirements for current benefits, and how to find more information about benefits from the department and other state agencies. The outreach program must begin on June 6, 2024.
[ 2024 c 146 s 5.]
Notes:
Intent—2024 c 146: See note following RCW 73.04.005.

catchline: Outreach program—Change in veteran definitions—2024 c 146.


title: RCW 43.60A.900

text:
All employees and personnel of the department of social and health services directly engaged in services to veterans shall, on June 25, 1976, be transferred to the jurisdiction of the department of veterans affairs. All employees classified under chapter 41.06 RCW, the state civil service law, shall be assigned to the department to perform their usual duties upon the same terms as formerly, without any loss of rights, subject to any action that may be appropriate thereafter in accordance with the laws and rules governing the state civil service law.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 9.]

catchline: Transfer of personnel of department of social and health services engaged in veterans' services—Rights preserved.


title: RCW 43.60A.903

text:
If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because of the transfers authorized by this chapter, the director of financial management shall certify such apportionments to the agencies affected, the state auditor, and the state treasurer. Each of these shall make the appropriate transfer and adjustments in funds and appropriation accounts and equipment records in accordance with such certification.
[ 1979 c 151 s 126; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 12.]

catchline: Certification when apportionments of budgeted funds required because of transfers.


title: RCW 43.60A.904

text:
In furtherance of the policy of the state to cooperate with the federal government in all of the programs included in this chapter, such rules and regulations as may become necessary to entitle the state to participate in federal funds may be adopted, unless the same be expressly prohibited by law. Any internal reorganization carried out under the terms of this chapter shall meet federal requirements which are a necessary condition to state receipt of federal funds. Any section or provision of this chapter which may be susceptible to more than one construction shall be interpreted in favor of the construction most likely to comply with federal laws entitling this state to receive federal funds for the various programs of the department. If any part of this chapter is ruled to be in conflict with federal requirements which are a prescribed condition of the allocation of federal funds to the state, or to any departments or agencies thereof, such conflicting part of this chapter is declared to be inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 13.]

catchline: Federal programs—Rules and regulations—Internal reorganization to meet federal requirements—Construction to comply with federal law—Conflicting parts inoperative.


title: RCW 43.60A.906

text:
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to alter any existing collective bargaining unit or the provisions of any existing collective bargaining agreement until any such agreement has expired or until any such bargaining unit has been modified by action of the Washington personnel resources board as provided by law.
[ 1993 c 281 s 52; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 16.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 c 281: See note following RCW 41.06.022.

catchline: Collective bargaining units or agreements not altered.


title: RCW 43.60A.907

text:
The rule of strict construction shall have no application to this chapter and it shall be liberally construed in order to carry out the objective for which it is designed, in accordance with the legislative intent to give the director the maximum possible freedom in carrying the provisions of this chapter into effect.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 17.]

catchline: Liberal construction—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115.


title: RCW 43.61.030

text:
The director of veterans affairs is empowered to contract with any veterans' organizations, now or hereafter chartered by act of congress to provide veterans services. All sums paid to veterans' organizations under contract shall be used by the organizations as specified in the contract in the maintenance of a rehabilitation service and to assist veterans in the prosecution of their claims and the solution of their problems arising out of military service. Such service and assistance shall be rendered all veterans and their dependents and also all beneficiaries of any military claim, and shall include but not be limited to those services now rendered by the service departments of the respective member organizations.
[ 1983 c 260 s 1; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 21; 1971 ex.s. c 189 s 5; 1970 ex.s. c 18 s 33; 1965 c 8 s 43.61.030. Prior: 1947 c 110 s 6; RRS s 10758-105.]
Notes:
Construction—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115: See RCW 43.60A.907.
Effective date—Severability—1970 ex.s. c 18: See notes following RCW 43.20A.010.

catchline: Contracts with veterans' organizations to provide veterans services—Use of funds.


title: RCW 43.61.040

text:
The director of veterans affairs shall make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The department shall furnish information, advice, and assistance to veterans and coordinate all programs and services in the field of veterans' claims service, education, health, vocational guidance and placement, and services not provided by some other agency of the state or by the federal government. The director shall submit a report of the departments' activities hereunder each year to the governor.
[ 1977 c 75 s 60; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 22; 1971 ex.s. c 189 s 6; 1970 ex.s. c 18 s 34; 1965 c 8 s 43.61.040. Prior: 1947 c 110 s 3; RRS s 10758-102.]
Notes:
Construction—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115: See RCW 43.60A.907.
Effective date—Severability—1970 ex.s. c 18: See notes following RCW 43.20A.010.

catchline: Director of veterans affairs to make rules and regulations—Veteran services—Annual report.


title: RCW 43.61.060

text:
The department of veterans affairs may receive gifts, donations, and grants from any person or agency and all such gifts, donations, and grants shall be placed in the general fund and may be allotted and used in accordance with the donors' instructions as an unanticipated receipt pursuant to RCW 43.79.270 through 43.79.282 as now existing or hereafter amended.
[ 1979 ex.s. c 59 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 189 s 7; 1965 c 8 s 43.61.060. Prior: 1947 c 110 s 5; RRS s 10758-104.]

catchline: Donations may be accepted—Procedure for allotment and use.


title: RCW 43.61.070

text:
Payments to any veterans' organization shall first be approved by the director of veterans affairs and insofar as possible shall be made on an equitable basis for work done.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115 s 24; 1970 ex.s. c 18 s 36; 1965 c 8 s 43.61.070. Prior: 1947 c 110 s 7; RRS s 10758-106.]
Notes:
Construction—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 115: See RCW 43.60A.907.
Effective date—Severability—1970 ex.s. c 18: See notes following RCW 43.20A.010.

catchline: Payments to veterans' organizations—Approval by director of veterans affairs.


title: RCW 43.62.010

text:
If the state or any of its political subdivisions, or other agencies, use the population studies services of the office of financial management or the successor thereto, the state, its political subdivision, or other agencies utilizing such services shall pay for the cost of rendering such services. Expenditures shall be paid out of funds allocated to cities and towns under *RCW 82.44.155 and shall be paid from said fund before any allocations or payments are made to cities and towns under *RCW 82.44.155.
[ 1990 c 42 s 317; 1979 c 151 s 127; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 s 121; 1965 c 8 s 43.62.010. Prior: 1957 c 175 s 1; 1951 c 96 s 1; 1947 c 51 s 2; RRS s 5508-11.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 82.44.155 was repealed by 2006 c 318 s 10.
Purpose—Effective dates—Application—Implementation—1990 c 42: See notes following RCW 46.68.090.
Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.

catchline: Office of financial management—Population studies—Expenditures.


title: RCW 43.62.020

text:
Whenever cities and towns of the state are, by law, allocated and entitled to be paid any funds or state moneys from any source, and the allocation and payment is required to be made on a populations basis, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, all such allocations shall be made on the basis of the population of the respective cities and towns as last determined by the office of financial management: PROVIDED, That the regular federal decennial census figures released for cities and towns shall be considered by the office of financial management in determining the population of cities and towns.
[ 1979 c 151 s 128; 1965 c 8 s 43.62.020. Prior: 1957 c 175 s 2; prior: (i) 1949 c 60 s 1; RRS s 5508-3. (ii) 1947 c 51 s 1; RRS s 5508-10.]

catchline: Method of allocating state funds to cities and towns prescribed.


title: RCW 43.62.030

text:
The office of financial management shall annually as of April 1st, determine the populations of all cities and towns of the state; and on or before July 1st of each year, shall file with the secretary of state a certificate showing its determination as to the populations of cities and towns of the state. A copy of such certificate shall be forwarded by the agency to each state official or department responsible for making allocations or payments, and on and after January 1st next following the date when such certificate or certificates are filed, the population determination shown in such certificate or certificates shall be used as the basis for the allocation and payment of state funds, to cities and towns until the next January 1st following the filing of successive certificates by the agency: PROVIDED, That whenever territory is annexed to a city or town, the population of the annexed territory shall be added to the population of the annexing city or town upon the effective date of the annexation as specified in the relevant ordinance, and upon approval of the agency as provided in RCW 35.13.260, as now or hereafter amended, a revised certificate reflecting the determination of the population as increased from such annexation shall be forwarded by the agency to each state official or department responsible for making allocations or payments, and upon and after the date of the commencement of the next quarterly period, the population determination indicated in such revised certificate shall be used as the basis for allocation and payment of state funds to such city or town until the next annual population determination becomes effective: PROVIDED FURTHER, That whenever any city or town becomes incorporated subsequent to the determination of such population, the populations of such cities and towns as shown in the records of incorporation filed with the secretary of state shall be used in determining the amount of allocation and payments, and the agency shall so notify the proper state officials or departments, and such cities and towns shall be entitled to participate in allocations thereafter made: PROVIDED FURTHER, That in case any incorporated city or town disincorporates subsequent to the filing of such certificate or certificates, the agency shall promptly notify the proper state officials or departments thereof, and such cities and towns shall cease to participate in allocations thereafter made, and all credit accrued to such incorporated city or town shall be distributed to the credit of the remaining cities and towns. The secretary of state shall promptly notify the agency of the incorporation of each new city and town and of the disincorporation of any cities or towns.
For the purposes of this section, each quarterly period shall commence on the first day of the months of January, April, July, and October. Whenever a revised certificate due to an annexation is forwarded by the agency thirty days or less prior to the commencement of the next quarterly period, the population of the annexed territory shall not be considered until the commencement of the following quarterly period.
Armed forces shipboard population, on-base naval group quarter population, and military dependents living in housing under United States navy jurisdiction, shall be determined quarterly by the office of financial management on the first days of January, April, July, and October. These counts shall be used to increase or decrease the armed forces component of the resident population determinations in the cities of Bremerton and Everett for the purpose of allocating state revenues according to this section. Counts on the first day of the quarterly periods commencing with January, April, July, and October shall be used to adjust the total population for the following quarter, in the same manner adjustments are made for population changes due to annexation as specified in RCW 35.13.260 and 35A.14.700.
Population determinations made under this section shall include only those persons who meet resident population criteria as defined by the federal bureau of the census.
[ 1988 c 260 s 1; 1979 c 151 s 129; 1977 c 75 s 61; 1969 ex.s. c 50 s 2; 1965 c 8 s 43.62.030. Prior: 1957 c 175 s 3; 1951 c 96 s 2.]
Notes:
Determination of population of area annexed to city: RCW 35.13.260.

catchline: Determination of population—Cities and towns—Certificate—Allocation of state funds.


title: RCW 43.62.035

text:
The office of financial management shall determine the population of each county of the state annually as of April 1st of each year and on or before July 1st of each year shall file a certificate with the secretary of state showing its determination of the population for each county. The office of financial management also shall determine the percentage increase in population for each county over the preceding ten-year period, as of April 1st, and shall file a certificate with the secretary of state by July 1st showing its determination. At least once every five years or upon the availability of decennial census data, whichever is later, the office of financial management shall prepare twenty-year growth management planning population projections required by RCW 36.70A.110 for each county that adopts a comprehensive plan under RCW 36.70A.040 and shall review these projections with such counties and the cities in those counties before final adoption. The county and its cities may provide to the office such information as they deem relevant to the office's projection, and the office shall consider and comment on such information before adoption. Each projection shall be expressed as a reasonable range developed within the standard state high and low projection. The middle range shall represent the office's estimate of the most likely population projection for the county. If any city or county believes that a projection will not accurately reflect actual population growth in a county, it may petition the office to revise the projection accordingly. The office shall complete the first set of ranges for every county by December 31, 1995.
A comprehensive plan adopted or amended before December 31, 1995, shall not be considered to be in noncompliance with the twenty-year growth management planning population projection if the projection used in the comprehensive plan is in compliance with the range later adopted under this section.
[ 1997 c 429 s 26; 1995 c 162 s 1; 1991 sp.s. c 32 s 30; 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 32.]
Notes:
Severability—1997 c 429: See note following RCW 36.70A.3201.
Effective date—1995 c 162: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [April 27, 1995]." [ 1995 c 162 s 2.]
Section headings not law—1991 sp.s. c 32: See RCW 36.70A.902.
Severability—Part, section headings not law—1990 1st ex.s. c 17: See RCW 36.70A.900 and 36.70A.901.

catchline: Determining population—Projections.


title: RCW 43.62.040

text:
The department of revenue or any other state officer or officials of cities, towns, or counties shall upon request of the office of financial management furnish such information, aid, and assistance as may be required by the office of financial management in the performance of its population studies. The action of the office of financial management in determining the population shall be final and conclusive.
[ 1979 c 151 s 130; 1975 1st ex.s. c 278 s 25; 1965 c 8 s 43.62.040. Prior: 1957 c 175 s 4; 1951 c 96 s 3.]
Notes:
Construction—Severability—1975 1st ex.s. c 278: See notes following RCW 11.08.160.

catchline: Assistance to office of financial management—Determination by office of financial management conclusive.


title: RCW 43.62.050

text:
The office of financial management shall develop and maintain student enrollment forecasts of Washington schools, including both public and private, elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, colleges, and universities. A current report of such forecasts shall be submitted to the standing committees on ways and means of the house and the senate on or before the fifteenth day of November of each even-numbered year.
[ 1979 c 151 s 131; 1977 c 75 s 62; 1975 1st ex.s. c 293 s 2; 1965 c 8 s 43.62.050. Prior: 1959 c 171 s 1; 1957 c 229 s 1.]
Notes:
Review of reported FTE students: RCW 28A.150.260.

catchline: Student enrollment forecasts—Report.


title: RCW 43.62.060

text:
(1) It is the intent of the legislature to affirm that every Washingtonian has the right and obligation to participate in the federal decennial census freely and without fear of fraud, intimidation, or harm, and to inform the public of these rights.
(2) The legislature affirms the rights of Washingtonians to all of the following, to be known as the Washington census bill of rights and responsibilities:
(a) To participate in the federal decennial census free of threat or intimidation;
(b) To the confidentiality of the information provided in the census form, as provided by federal law;
(c) To respond to the census by means made available to the respondent, either by phone, by mail, online, or in person;
(d) To request language assistance in accordance with federal law; and
(e) To verify the identity of a census worker.
(3) The secretary of state shall translate the Washington census bill of rights and responsibilities into languages other than English, consistent with the federal voting rights act of 1965, 52 U.S.C. Sec. 10503.
(4) The office of financial management shall make the Washington census bill of rights and responsibilities available on its internet website and available for inclusion on city and county census internet websites and census questionnaire assistance center internet websites.
[ 2020 c 34 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 34: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 18, 2020]." [ 2020 c 34 s 4.]

catchline: Federal decennial census—Rights and responsibilities.


title: RCW 43.63A.066

text:
The department of children, youth, and families shall have primary responsibility for providing child abuse and neglect prevention training to preschool age children participating in the federal head start program or the early childhood education and assistance program established under RCW 28A.215.010 through 28A.215.050, 43.216.500 through 43.216.550, 43.216.900, and 43.216.901.
[ 2018 c 58 s 4; 2006 c 265 s 212; 1993 c 280 s 58; 1990 c 33 s 579; 1987 c 489 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Effective date—2006 c 265: See RCW 43.216.902.
Effective date—1993 c 280: See RCW 43.330.902.
Purpose—Statutory references—Severability—1990 c 33: See RCW 28A.900.100 through 28A.900.102.
Intent—1987 c 489: See note following RCW 28A.300.150.

catchline: Child abuse and neglect prevention training for participants in head start or early childhood education assistance programs—Duties of department of children, youth, and families.


title: RCW 43.63A.068

text:
(1)(a) The department of commerce shall establish an advisory committee to monitor, guide, and report on recommendations relating to policies and programs for children and families with incarcerated parents.
(b) The advisory committee shall include representatives of the department of corrections, the department of social and health services, the department of children, youth, and families, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, representatives of the private nonprofit and business sectors, child advocates, representatives of Washington state Indian tribes as defined under the federal Indian welfare act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.), court administrators, the administrative office of the courts, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, jail administrators, the office of the governor, and others who have an interest in these issues.
(c) The advisory committee shall:
(i) Gather the data collected by the departments as required in RCW 72.09.495, 74.04.800, 43.216.060, and 28A.300.520;
(ii) Monitor and provide consultation on the implementation of recommendations contained in the 2006 children of incarcerated parents report;
(iii) Identify areas of need and develop recommendations for the legislature, the department of social and health services, the department of corrections, the department of children, youth, and families, and the office of the superintendent of public instruction to better meet the needs of children and families of persons incarcerated in department of corrections facilities; and
(iv) Advise the department of commerce regarding community programs the department should fund with moneys appropriated for this purpose in the operating budget. The advisory committee shall provide recommendations to the department regarding the following:
(A) The goals for geographic distribution of programs and funding;
(B) The scope and purpose of eligible services and the priority of such services;
(C) Grant award funding limits;
(D) Entities eligible to apply for the funding;
(E) Whether the funding should be directed towards starting or supporting new programs, expanding existing programs, or whether the funding should be open to all eligible services and providers; and
(F) Other areas the advisory committee determines appropriate.
(d) The children of incarcerated parents advisory committee shall update the legislature and governor biennially on committee activities, with the first update due by January 1, 2010.
(2) The department of commerce shall select community programs or services to receive funding that focus on children and families of inmates incarcerated in a department of corrections facility and sustaining the family during the period of the inmate's incarceration.
(a) Programs or services which meet the needs of the children of incarcerated parents should be the greatest consideration in the programs that are identified by the department.
(b) The department shall consider the recommendations of the advisory committee regarding which services or programs the department should fund.
(c) The programs selected shall collaborate with an agency, or agencies, experienced in providing services to aid families and victims of sexual assault and domestic violence to ensure that the programs identify families who have a history of sexual assault or domestic violence and ensure the services provided are appropriate for the children and families.
[ 2018 c 58 s 3; 2009 c 518 s 18; 2007 c 384 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Intent—Finding—2007 c 384: See note following RCW 72.09.495.

catchline: Advisory committee on policies and programs for children and families with incarcerated parents—Funding for programs and services.


title: RCW 43.63A.075

text:
The department shall establish a community development finance program. Pursuant to this program, the department shall, in cooperation with the local economic development council: (1) Develop expertise in federal, state, and local community and economic development programs; and (2) assist communities and businesses to secure available financing. To the extent permitted by federal law, the department is encouraged to use federal community block grant funds to make urban development action grants to communities which have not been eligible to receive such grants prior to June 30, 1984.
[ 1999 c 108 s 1; 1993 c 280 s 59; 1985 c 466 s 53; 1984 c 125 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 c 280: See RCW 43.330.902.
Effective date—Severability—1985 c 466: See notes following RCW 43.31.125.

catchline: Community development finance program.


title: RCW 43.63A.105

text:
In designating local community action agencies or local community service agencies, the department shall give special consideration to (1) agencies previously funded under any community services or antipoverty program; (2) agencies meeting state and federal program and fiscal requirements; and (3) successors to such agencies.
[ 1984 c 125 s 10.]

catchline: Considerations in designating local community action and community service agencies.


title: RCW 43.63A.115

text:
(1) The community action agency network, established initially under the federal economic opportunity act of 1964 and subsequently under the federal community services block grant program of 1981, as amended, shall be a delivery system for federal and state antipoverty programs in this state, including but not limited to the community services block grant program, the low-income energy assistance program, and the federal department of energy weatherization program.
(2) Local community action agencies comprise the community action agency network. The community action agency network shall serve low-income persons in the counties. Each community action agency and its service area shall be designated in the state federal community service block grant plan as prepared by the department of commerce.
(3) Funds for antipoverty programs may be distributed to the community action agencies by the department of commerce and other state agencies in consultation with the authorized representatives of community action agency networks.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2047; 1993 c 280 s 60; 1990 c 156 s 1.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Effective date—1993 c 280: See RCW 43.330.902.

catchline: Community action agency network—Delivery system for federal and state antipoverty programs.


title: RCW 43.63A.125

text:
(1) The department shall establish the building communities fund program. Under the program, capital and technical assistance grants may be made to nonprofit organizations for acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating facilities used for the delivery of nonresidential community services, including social service centers and multipurpose community centers, including those serving a distinct or ethnic population. Such facilities must be located in a distressed community or serve a substantial number of low-income or disadvantaged persons.
(2) The department shall establish a competitive process to solicit, evaluate, and rank applications for the building communities fund program as follows:
(a) The department shall conduct a statewide solicitation of project applications from nonprofit organizations.
(b) The department shall evaluate and rank applications in consultation with a citizen advisory committee using objective criteria. To be considered qualified, applicants must demonstrate that the proposed project:
(i) Will increase the range, efficiency, or quality of the services provided to citizens;
(ii) Will be located in a distressed community or will serve a substantial number of low-income or disadvantaged persons;
(iii) Will offer three or more distinct activities that meet a single community service objective or offer a diverse set of activities that meet multiple community service objectives, including but not limited to: Providing social services; expanding employment opportunities for or increasing the employability of community residents; or offering educational or recreational opportunities separate from the public school system or private schools, as long as recreation is not the sole purpose of the facility;
(iv) Reflects a long-term vision for the development of the community, shared by residents, businesses, leaders, and partners;
(v) Requires state funding to accomplish a discrete, usable phase of the project;
(vi) Is ready to proceed and will make timely use of the funds;
(vii) Is sponsored by one or more entities that have the organizational and financial capacity to fulfill the terms of the grant agreement and to maintain the project into the future;
(viii) Fills an unmet need for community services;
(ix) Will achieve its stated objectives; and
(x) Is a community priority as shown through tangible commitments of existing or future assets made to the project by community residents, leaders, businesses, and government partners.
(c)(i) The evaluation and ranking process shall also include an examination of existing assets that applicants may apply to projects. Grant assistance under this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the project, except as provided in (c)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection (2).
(ii) For project lists submitted during the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium, grant assistance under this section may not exceed:
(A) One hundred percent of the total cost for projects up to $100,000;
(B) Seventy-five percent of the total cost for projects that exceed $100,000, up to $250,000;
(C) Fifty percent of the total cost for projects that exceed $250,000, up to $500,000.
(iii) Under exceptional circumstances, the department may reduce the amount of nonstate match required. However, during the 2019-2021 biennium, the legislature may waive the match required for the projects specified in section 1009, chapter 413, Laws of 2019. No more than 10 percent of the total granted amount may be awarded to qualified eligible projects that meet the definition of exceptional circumstances defined in this subsection. For project lists submitted during the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium, there is no limit to the total granted amount awarded to qualified eligible projects that meet the definition of exceptional circumstances defined in this subsection. For purposes of this subsection, exceptional circumstances include but are not limited to: Natural disasters affecting projects; emergencies beyond an applicant's control, such as a fire or an unanticipated loss of a lease where services are currently provided; or a delay that could result in a threat to public health or safety. The nonstate portion of the total project cost may include cash, the value of real property when acquired solely for the purpose of the project, and in-kind contributions.
(d) The department may not set a monetary limit to funding requests.
(3) The department shall submit biennially to the governor and the legislature in the department's capital budget request a ranked list of the qualified eligible projects for which applications were received. The list must include a description of each project, its total cost, and the amount of state funding requested. The appropriate fiscal committees of the legislature shall use this list to determine building communities fund projects that may receive funding in the capital budget. The total amount of state capital funding available for all projects on the biennial list shall be determined by the capital budget beginning with the 2009-2011 biennium and thereafter. In addition, if cash funds have been appropriated, up to $3,000,000 may be used for technical assistance grants. The department shall not sign contracts or otherwise financially obligate funds under this section until the legislature has approved a specific list of projects.
(4) In addition to the list of ranked qualified eligible projects, the department shall submit to the appropriate fiscal committees of the legislature a summary report that describes the solicitation and evaluation processes, including but not limited to the number of applications received, the total amount of funding requested, issues encountered, if any, and any recommendations for process improvements.
(5) After the legislature has approved a specific list of projects in law, the department shall develop and manage appropriate contracts with the selected applicants; monitor project expenditures and grantee performance; report project and contract information; and exercise due diligence and other contract management responsibilities as required.
(6) In contracts for grants authorized under this section the department shall include provisions which require that capital improvements shall be held by the grantee for a specified period of time appropriate to the amount of the grant and that facilities shall be used for the express purpose of the grant. If the grantee is found to be out of compliance with provisions of the contract, the grantee shall repay to the state general fund the principal amount of the grant plus interest calculated at the rate of interest on state of Washington general obligation bonds issued most closely to the date of authorization of the grant.
[ 2022 c 296 s 7005; 2019 c 413 s 7030; 2011 1st sp.s. c 48 s 7027; 2008 c 327 s 15; 2006 c 371 s 233; 2005 c 160 s 1; 1999 c 295 s 3; 1997 c 374 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 296: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 31, 2022]." [ 2022 c 296 s 7014.]
Effective date—2019 c 413: See note following RCW 28B.15.210.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 48: See note following RCW 39.35B.050.
Effective date—2006 c 371: See note following RCW 27.34.330.
Findings—1997 c 374: "The legislature finds that nonprofit organizations provide a variety of social services that serve the needs of the citizens of Washington, including many services implemented under contract with state agencies. The legislature also finds that the efficiency and quality of these services may be enhanced by the provision of safe, reliable, and sound facilities, and that, in certain cases, it may be appropriate for the state to assist in the development of these facilities." [ 1997 c 374 s 1.]

catchline: Nonresidential social services facilities—Building communities fund program—Assistance to nonprofit organizations—Competitive process—Recommendations to legislature for funding.


title: RCW 43.63A.135

text:
(1) The department of commerce must establish a competitive process to solicit proposals for and prioritize projects whose primary objective is to assist nonprofit youth organizations in acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating facilities used for the delivery of nonresidential services, excluding outdoor athletic fields.
(2) The department of commerce must establish a competitive process to prioritize applications for the assistance as follows:
(a) The department of commerce must conduct a statewide solicitation of project applications from local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other entities, as determined by the department of commerce. The department of commerce must evaluate and rank applications in consultation with a citizen advisory committee using objective criteria. Projects must have a major recreational component, and must have either an educational or social service component. At a minimum, applicants must demonstrate that the requested assistance will increase the efficiency or quality of the services it provides to youth. The evaluation and ranking process must also include an examination of existing assets that applicants may apply to projects. Grant assistance under this section may not exceed twenty-five percent of the total cost of the project. The nonstate portion of the total project cost may include cash, the value of real property when acquired solely for the purpose of the project, and in-kind contributions.
(b) The department of commerce must submit a prioritized list of recommended projects to the governor and the legislature in the department of commerce's biennial capital budget request beginning with the 2005-2007 biennium and thereafter. The list must include a description of each project, the amount of recommended state funding, and documentation of nonstate funds to be used for the project. The total amount of recommended state funding for projects on a biennial project list must not exceed eight million dollars. The department of commerce may not sign contracts or otherwise financially obligate funds under this section until the legislature has approved a specific list of projects.
(c) In contracts for grants authorized under this section the department of commerce must include provisions that require that capital improvements be held by the grantee for a specified period of time appropriate to the amount of the grant and that facilities be used for the express purpose of the grant. If the grantee is found to be out of compliance with provisions of the contract, the grantee must repay to the state general fund the principal amount of the grant plus interest calculated at the rate of interest on state of Washington general obligation bonds issued most closely to the date of authorization of the grant.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2048; 2006 c 371 s 234; 2005 c 160 s 4; 2003 1st sp.s. c 7 s 2.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Effective date—2006 c 371: See note following RCW 27.34.330.
Findings—2003 1st sp.s. c 7: "The legislature finds that nonprofit youth organizations provide a variety of services for the youth of Washington state, including many services that enable young people, especially those facing challenging and disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The legislature also finds that the efficiency and quality of these services may be enhanced by the provision of safe, reliable, and sound facilities, and that, in certain cases, it may be appropriate for the state to assist in the development of these facilities." [ 2003 1st sp.s. c 7 s 1.]

catchline: Nonresidential youth services facilities—Competitive process—Recommendations to legislature for funding.


title: RCW 43.63A.155

text:
The department of commerce shall retain the bond information it receives under RCW 39.44.210 and 39.44.230 and shall publish summaries of local government bond issues at least once a year.
The department of commerce shall adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW to implement RCW 39.44.210 and 39.44.230.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2049; 1993 c 280 s 61; 1989 c 225 s 5; 1985 c 130 s 6.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Effective date—1993 c 280: See RCW 43.330.902.

catchline: Local government bond information—Publication—Rules.


title: RCW 43.63A.190

text:
Funds appropriated by the legislature as supplemental resources for border areas must be distributed by the state treasurer pursuant to the formula for distributing funds to border areas, and expenditure requirements for such distributions, under RCW 66.08.196.
[ 2012 2nd sp.s. c 5 s 12; 1995 c 159 s 5; 1984 c 125 s 11; 1981 c 269 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 2nd sp.s. c 5: See note following RCW 82.08.160.
Effective date—1995 c 159: See note following RCW 66.08.190.
Legislative declaration—1981 c 269: "The legislature finds and declares that certain counties and municipalities near international borders are subjected to a constant volume and flow of travelers and visitors for whom local government services must be provided. The legislature further finds that it is in the public interest and for the protection of the health, property, and welfare of the residents and visitors to provide supplemental resources to augment and maintain existing levels of police protection in these areas." [ 1981 c 269 s 1.]

catchline: Distribution of funds for border areas.


title: RCW 43.63A.230

text:
The department of commerce shall provide technical assistance to cooperatives authorized under chapter 23.78 RCW and conduct educational programs on employee ownership and self-management. The department shall include information on the option of employee ownership wherever appropriate in its various programs.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2050; 2005 c 136 s 2; 1993 c 280 s 63; 1988 c 186 s 17; 1987 c 457 s 15.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Savings—Effective date—2005 c 136: See notes following RCW 43.168.020.
Effective date—1993 c 280: See RCW 43.330.902.
Effective date—1988 c 186 s 17: "Section 17 of this act shall take effect June 30, 1993." [ 1988 c 186 s 18.]

catchline: Employee ownership and self-management—Technical assistance and educational programs.


title: RCW 43.63A.275

text:
(1) Each biennium the department of commerce shall distribute such funds as are appropriated for retired senior volunteer programs (RSVP) as follows:
(a) At least sixty-five percent of the moneys may be distributed according to formulae and criteria to be determined by the department of commerce in consultation with the RSVP directors association.
(b) Up to twenty percent of the moneys may be distributed by competitive grant process to develop RSVP projects in counties not presently being served, or to expand existing RSVP services into counties not presently served.
(c) Ten percent of the moneys may be used by the department of commerce for administration, monitoring of the grants, and providing technical assistance to the RSVP projects.
(d) Up to five percent of the moneys may be used to support projects that will benefit RSVPs statewide.
(2) Grants under subsection (1) of this section shall give priority to programs in the areas of education, tutoring, English as a second language, combating of and education on drug abuse, housing and homeless, and respite care, and shall be distributed in accordance with the following:
(a) None of the grant moneys may be used to displace any paid employee in the area being served.
(b) Grants shall be made for programs that focus on:
(i) Developing new roles for senior volunteers in nonprofit and public organizations with special emphasis on areas targeted in section 1, chapter 65, Laws of 1992. The roles shall reflect the diversity of the local senior population and shall respect their life experiences;
(ii) Increasing the expertise of volunteer managers and RSVP managers in the areas of communication, recruitment, motivation, and retention of today's over-sixty population;
(iii) Increasing the number of senior citizens recruited, referred, and placed with nonprofit and public organizations; and
(iv) Providing volunteer support such as: Mileage to and from the volunteer assignment, recognition, and volunteer insurance.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2051; 1993 c 280 s 67; 1992 c 65 s 2.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Effective date—1993 c 280: See RCW 43.330.902.
Findings—1992 c 65: "The legislature finds that there is a growing number of citizens in the state over the age of sixty who have much to offer their fellow citizens and communities through volunteer service. The legislature further finds that public programs for education, at-risk youth, adult literacy, and combating drug abuse have benefited from and are still in need of the assistance of skilled retired senior volunteer programs volunteers. In addition the legislature further finds that public programs for developmentally disabled, environmental protection, corrections, crime prevention, mental health, long-term and respite care, and housing and homeless, among others, are also in need of volunteer assistance from the retired senior volunteer program.
Therefore, the legislature intends to encourage the increased involvement of senior volunteers by providing funding throughout Washington to promote the development and enhancement of such programs." [ 1992 c 65 s 1.]

catchline: Retired senior volunteer programs (RSVP)—Funds distribution.


title: RCW 43.63A.305

text:
(1) The independent youth housing program is created in the department to provide housing stipends to eligible youth to be used for independent housing. In developing a plan for the design, implementation, and operation of the independent youth housing program, the department shall:
(a) Adopt policies, requirements, and procedures necessary to administer the program;
(b) Contract with one or more eligible organizations described under RCW 43.185A.040 to provide services and conduct administrative activities as described in subsection (3) of this section;
(c) Establish eligibility criteria for youth to participate in the independent youth housing program, giving priority to youth who have been dependents of the state for at least one year;
(d) Refer interested youth to the designated subcontractor organization administering the program in the area in which the youth intends to reside;
(e) Develop a method for determining the amount of the housing stipend, first and last month's rent, and security deposit, where applicable, to be dedicated to participating youth. The method for determining a housing stipend must take into account a youth's age, the youth's total income from all sources, the fair market rent for the area in which the youth lives or intends to live, and a variety of possible living situations for the youth. The amount of housing stipends must be adjusted, by a method and formula established by the department, to promote the successful transition for youth to complete housing self-sufficiency over time;
(f) Ensure that the independent youth housing program is integrated and aligned with other state rental assistance and case management programs operated by the department, as well as case management and supportive services programs, including the independent living program, the transitional living program, and other related programs offered by the department of social and health services; and
(g) Consult with the department of social and health services and other stakeholders involved with dependent youth, homeless youth, and homeless young adults, as appropriate.
(2) The department of social and health services shall collaborate with the department in implementing and operating the independent youth housing program including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Refer potential eligible youth to the department before the youth's eighteenth birthday, if feasible, to include an indication, if known, of where the youth plans to reside after aging out of foster care;
(b) Provide information to all youth aged fifteen or older, who are dependents of the state under chapter 13.34 RCW, about the independent youth housing program, encouraging dependents nearing their eighteenth birthday to consider applying for enrollment in the program;
(c) Encourage organizations participating in the independent living program and the transitional living program to collaborate with independent youth housing program providers whenever possible to capitalize on resources and provide the greatest amount and variety of services to eligible youth;
(d) Annually provide to the department data reflecting changes in the percentage of youth aging out of the state dependency system each year who are eligible for state assistance, as well as any other data and performance measures that may assist the department to measure program success; and
(e) Annually, beginning by December 31, 2007, provide to the appropriate committees of the legislature and the interagency council on homelessness as described under RCW 43.185C.170 recommendations of strategies to reach the goals described in RCW 43.63A.311(2)(g).
(3) Under the independent youth housing program, subcontractor organizations shall:
(a) Use moneys awarded to the organizations for housing stipends, security deposits, first and last month's rent stipends, case management program costs, and administrative costs. When subcontractor organizations determine that it is necessary to assist participating youth in accessing and maintaining independent housing, subcontractor organizations may also use moneys awarded to pay for professional mental health services and tuition costs for court-ordered classes and programs;
(i) Administrative costs for each subcontractor organization may not exceed twelve percent of the estimated total annual grant amount to the subcontractor organization;
(ii) All housing stipends, security deposits, and first and last month's rent stipends must be payable only to a landlord or housing manager of any type of independent housing;
(b) Enroll eligible youth who are referred by the department and who choose to reside in their assigned service area;
(c) Enter eligible youth program participants into the [Washington] homeless client management information system as described in RCW 43.185C.180;
(d) Monitor participating youth's housing status;
(e) Evaluate participating youth's eligibility and compliance with department policies and procedures at least twice a year;
(f) Assist participating youth to develop or update an independent living plan focused on obtaining and retaining independent housing or collaborate with a case manager with whom the youth is already involved to ensure that the youth has an independent living plan;
(g) Educate participating youth on tenant rights and responsibilities;
(h) Provide support to participating youth in the form of general case management and information and referral services, when necessary, or collaborate with a case manager with whom the youth is already involved to ensure that the youth is receiving the case management and information and referral services needed;
(i) Connect participating youth, when possible, with individual development account programs, other financial literacy programs, and other programs that are designed to help young people acquire economic independence and self-sufficiency, or collaborate with a case manager with whom the youth is already involved to ensure that the youth is receiving information and referrals to these programs, when appropriate;
(j) Submit expenditure and performance reports, including information related to the performance measures in RCW 43.63A.311, to the department on a time schedule determined by the department; and
(k) Provide recommendations to the department regarding program improvements and strategies that might assist the state to reach its goals as described in RCW 43.63A.311(2)(g).
[ 2009 c 148 s 1; 2007 c 316 s 3.]
Notes:
Finding—2007 c 316: "(1) The legislature finds that providing needy youth aging out of the state dependency system with safe and viable options for housing to avoid homelessness confers a valuable benefit on the public that is intended to improve public health, safety, and welfare.
(2) It is the goal of this state to:
(a) Ensure that all youth aging out of the state dependency system have access to a decent, appropriate, and affordable home in a healthy safe environment to prevent such young people from experiencing homelessness; and
(b) Reduce each year the percentage of young people eligible for state assistance upon aging out of the state dependency system." [ 2007 c 316 s 1.]

catchline: Independent youth housing program—Created—Collaboration with the department of social and health services—Duties of subcontractor organizations.


title: RCW 43.63A.307

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Department" means the department of commerce.
(2) "Eligible youth" means an individual who:
(a) On or after September 1, 2006, is at least eighteen, was a dependent of the state under chapter 13.34 RCW at any time before his or her eighteenth birthday, and has not yet reached the age of 25;
(b) Except as provided in RCW 43.63A.309(2)(a), has a total income from all sources, except for temporary sources that include, but are not limited to, overtime wages, bonuses, or short-term temporary assignments, that does not exceed fifty percent of the area median income;
(c) Complies with other eligibility requirements the department may establish.
(3) "Fair market rent" means the fair market rent in each county of the state, as determined by the United States department of housing and urban development.
(4) "Independent housing" means a housing unit that is not owned by or located within the home of the eligible youth's biological parents or any of the eligible youth's former foster care families or dependency guardians. "Independent housing" may include a unit in a transitional or other supportive housing facility.
(5) "Individual development account" or "account" means an account established by contract between a low-income individual and a sponsoring organization for the benefit of the low-income individual and funded through periodic contributions by the low-income individual that are matched with contributions by or through the sponsoring organization.
(6) "Subcontractor organization" means an eligible organization described under RCW 43.185A.040 that contracts with the department to administer the independent youth housing program.
[ 2022 c 154 s 1; 2009 c 148 s 2; 2007 c 316 s 2.]
Notes:
Finding—2007 c 316: See note following RCW 43.63A.305.

catchline: Independent youth housing program—Definitions.


title: RCW 43.63A.309

text:
(1) An eligible youth participating in the independent youth housing program must:
(a) Sign a program compliance agreement stating that the youth agrees to:
(i) Timely pay his or her portion of the independent housing cost;
(ii) Comply with an independent living plan; and
(iii) Comply with other program requirements and policies the department may establish; and
(b) Maintain his or her status as an eligible youth, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) The department shall establish policies and procedures to allow the youth to remain in the program and continue to receive a housing stipend if the youth's total income exceeds fifty percent of the area median income during the course of his or her participation in the program. The policies must require the youth to:
(a) Participate in the individual development account program established under RCW 43.31.460 and invest a portion, to be determined by the department, of his or her income that exceeds fifty percent of the area median income in an individual development account; or
(b) If the youth is unable to participate in the individual development account program due to the program's capacity limits or eligibility requirements, participate in an alternate supervised savings program approved by the department, as long as the youth qualifies for and may participate in this savings program.
(3) An eligible youth may participate in the independent youth housing program for any duration of time and may apply to enroll in the program with the department at any time.
(4)(a) A youth may be terminated from the independent youth housing program for a violation of department policies.
(b) Youth who are terminated from the program may apply to the department for reenrollment in the program through a procedure to be developed by the department. The department shall establish criteria to evaluate a reenrollment application and may accept or deny a reenrollment application based on the department's evaluation.
[ 2007 c 316 s 4.]
Notes:
Finding—2007 c 316: See note following RCW 43.63A.305.

catchline: Independent youth housing program—Eligible youth—Participation.


title: RCW 43.63A.311

text:
Beginning in 2007, the department must annually review and report on the performance of subcontractor organizations participating in the independent youth housing program, as well as the performance of the program as a whole.
(1) Reporting should be within the context of the state homeless housing strategic plan under RCW 43.185C.040 and any other relevant state or local homeless or affordable housing plans. The outcomes of the independent youth housing program must be included in the measurement of any performance measures described in chapter 43.185C RCW.
(2) The independent youth housing program report must include, at a minimum, an update on the following program performance measures, as well as any other performance measures the department may establish, for enrolled youth in consultation with the department of social and health services, to be measured statewide and by county:
(a) Increases in housing stability;
(b) Increases in economic self-sufficiency;
(c) Increases in independent living skills;
(d) Increases in education and job training attainment;
(e) Decreases in the use of all state-funded services over time;
(f) Decreases in the percentage of youth aging out of the state dependency system each year who are eligible for state assistance as reported to the department by the department of social and health services; and
(g) Recommendations to the legislature and to the interagency council on homelessness as described under RCW 43.185C.170 on program improvements and on departmental strategies that might assist the state to reach its goals of:
(i) Ensuring that all youth aging out of the state dependency system have access to a decent, appropriate, and affordable home in a healthy safe environment to prevent such youth from experiencing homelessness; and
(ii) Reducing each year the percentage of young people eligible for state assistance upon aging out of the state dependency system.
[ 2007 c 316 s 5.]
Notes:
Finding—2007 c 316: See note following RCW 43.63A.305.

catchline: Independent youth housing program—Subcontractor organization performance review and report.


title: RCW 43.63A.313

text:
Chapter 316, Laws of 2007 does not create:
(1) An entitlement to services;
(2) Judicial authority to (a) extend the jurisdiction of juvenile court in a proceeding under chapter 13.34 RCW to a youth who has reached the age of eighteen or (b) order the provision of services to the youth; or
(3) A private right of action or claim on the part of any individual, entity, or agency against the department, the department of social and health services, or any contractor of the departments.
[ 2007 c 316 s 6.]
Notes:
Finding—2007 c 316: See note following RCW 43.63A.305.

catchline: Independent youth housing program—Limitations.


title: RCW 43.63A.315

text:
The independent youth housing account is created in the state treasury. All revenue directed to the independent youth housing program must be deposited into this account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may only be used for the independent youth housing program as described in RCW 43.63A.305.
[ 2007 c 316 s 7.]
Notes:
Finding—2007 c 316: See note following RCW 43.63A.305.

catchline: Independent youth housing account.


title: RCW 43.63A.400

text:
The department of commerce shall distribute grants to eligible public radio and television broadcast stations under RCW 43.63A.410 and 43.63A.420 to assist with programming, operations, and capital needs.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2052; 1993 c 280 s 72; 1987 c 308 s 2.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Effective date—1993 c 280: See RCW 43.330.902.
Legislative findings—1987 c 308: "The legislature finds that public broadcasting creates a cultural and educational environment that is important to the citizens of the state. The legislature also finds that it is in the public interest to provide state support to bring cultural, educational, and public affairs broadcasting services to the citizens of the state." [ 1987 c 308 s 1.]

catchline: Grants to public broadcast stations.


title: RCW 43.63A.410

text:
(1) Eligibility for grants under this section shall be limited to broadcast stations which are:
(a) Licensed to Washington state organizations, nonprofit corporations, or other entities under section 73.621 of the regulations of the federal communications commission; and
(b) Qualified to receive community service grants from the federally chartered corporation for public broadcasting. Eligibility shall be established as of February 28th of each year.
(2) The formula in this subsection shall be used to compute the amount of each eligible station's grant under this section.
(a) Appropriations under this section shall be divided into a radio fund, which shall be twenty-five percent of the total appropriation under this section, and a television fund, which shall be seventy-five percent of the total appropriation under this section. Each of the two funds shall be divided into a base grant pool, which shall be fifty percent of the fund, and an incentive grant pool, which shall be the remaining fifty percent of the fund.
(b) Each eligible participating public radio station shall receive an equal share of the radio base grant pool, plus a share of the radio incentive grant pool equal to the proportion its nonfederal financial support bears to the sum of all participating radio stations' nonfederal financial support as most recently reported to the corporation for public broadcasting.
(c) Each eligible participating public television station shall receive an equal share of the television base grant pool, plus a share of the television incentive grant pool equal to the proportion its nonfederal financial support bears to the sum of all participating television stations' nonfederal financial support as most recently reported to the corporation for public broadcasting.
(3) Annual financial reports to the corporation for public broadcasting by eligible stations shall also be submitted by the stations to the department of commerce.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2053; 1993 c 280 s 73; 1987 c 308 s 3.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Effective date—1993 c 280: See RCW 43.330.902.
Legislative findings—1987 c 308: See note following RCW 43.63A.400.

catchline: Grants to broadcast stations eligible for grants from corporation for public broadcasting—Formula—Annual financial statements.