Committee tables one‑time $90,000 funding to Preble Street after procurement and funding‑path debate

LD 2135 would appropriate $90,000 from the general fund to the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management (DVAM) with initiative language directing those dollars to Preble Street to replace grant funding that supported landlord incentives, marketing and past rental debts. Analyst Michelle Olsen told the committee that identifying a specific private entity in a general fund appropriation can trigger state procurement and contracting rules and recommended caution.

"Identifying a specific entity in the bill to receive the funds may not consider other similar entities within the state who are conducting similar work," Olsen said, and described the procurement steps a state agency would typically follow (request for proposals, evaluation criteria, contracting and oversight).

Director David Richmond explained alternatives: use existing veterans‑targeted accounts that can receive donations and grants (for example, the Veterans Homeless Prevention Partnership Fund which currently holds non‑lapsing money and can accept donations), or craft language that provides a competitive grant process as done in prior sessions. Richmond also said Preble Street is at risk of losing some private grant dollars and that the LD was intended to replace a $90,000 private grant in the short term; he and Preble Street representatives said the goal is to get funds to frontline services promptly while respecting procurement rules.

Representative Chapman moved 'ought not to pass' (concern the bill names a single private recipient and may be unnecessary if other mechanisms exist); Representative Fredericks seconded. After follow‑up and staff research, Senator Timberlake moved to table the bill and the committee voted unanimously to table LD 2135 pending clarification about cascading funds, procurement workarounds, or donor options.

What happens next: Staff will research whether previously created special‑revenue grant mechanisms or recent statutory language could be used to route the money to eligible providers (allowing Preble Street to apply competitively), and return to the committee with recommendations. The bill is tabled and not reported today.