Committee sends SB 246 to Senate, adds community voice requirement on homeless services board

The Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Standing Committee unanimously recommended SB 246 (first substitute) to the full Senate after sponsor Senator Escamilla described the measure as a way to give affected communities a seat at the table for decisions about homeless service campuses.

Senator Escamilla said the substitute clarifies what a homeless service campus does not include and requires community representation on the non‑elected homeless service board when a facility will affect a specific area. Representative Sandra Hollins, whose district includes the site under consideration, told the committee residents wanted transparency and a voice so they would not be "blindsided" by decisions.

Public testimony included the Cicero Institute’s Devin Kurtz, who opposed adding members because he said mayors provide representation already, and Jeff Olsen of the Westside Coalition, who urged a representative for his community based on past legislative practice.

After discussion about board size and the possibility of swapping an existing seat rather than expanding membership, Senator Quandt moved to pass the substitute with a favorable recommendation. The committee voted aye and the bill will proceed to the Senate.