WA SB5082

Establishes the Extended Foster Care Housing Program to provide rental assistance to youth ages 18-21 who are in extended foster care and experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness

Provides rental assistance for up to 36 months based on fair market rent, with youth paying no more than 30% of adjusted gross income toward rent (or 40% if rent exceeds fair market rate)

Requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to contract with outside entities through competitive procurement to operate the program, or operate it directly if no contractors are available

Mandates transition planning for youth at least three months before their 21st birthday, including assistance applying for federal housing vouchers and referrals to housing, employment, education, and health services

Addresses the finding that approximately 13% of extended foster care youth experienced homelessness in state fiscal year 2024, partly because accessing federal housing vouchers currently requires exiting foster care