HI HB596

Appropriates unspecified amounts from general revenues for fiscal year 2015-2016 to fund multiple homeless service programs including substance abuse treatment, mental health services, clean and sober housing, and rental assistance administered by the Department of Health and Department of Human Services.

Establishes a shallow subsidy rental assistance program with a maximum subsidy of $300 per month for homeless working individuals whose households pay at least 40% of adjusted gross income toward rent.

Provides matching funds for the federal Shelter Plus Care program and the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing program to assist hard-to-serve homeless individuals and prevent homelessness.

Amends the Return-to-Home pilot program to change it from optional ("may") to mandatory ("shall") administration by the Department of Human Services, extending the program's sunset date from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2018.

Transfers oversight of the Homeless Assistance Working Group from the Department of Human Services to the Legislature by requiring the Senate and House committees on human services chairpersons to convene the group, with dissolution scheduled for June 30, 2017.