HB 1498

Virginia Interagency Council on Homelessness established; use of state funds for housing and homelessness services; report. Establishes the Virginia Interagency Council on Homelessness with the purpose of establishing a coordinated, statewide framework to prevent and end homelessness by aligning state and local efforts around evidence-based strategies. The bill directs the Council to (i) implement a state plan to end homelessness; (ii) align state policies, programs, and funding to effectuate the purpose of the Council; (iii) identify and recommend removal of statutory, regulatory, and administrative barriers to housing stability; and (iv) coordinate state, federal, and private funding to maximize impact and improve outcomes. The bill requires the Council to submit by October 1 of each year a report on its activities and recommendations to the Governor, General Assembly, and Department of Housing and Community Development. The bill additionally prohibits the use of state funds to establish, operate, or support any congregate living arrangement, shelter or similar facility, or program that functions in a punitive or coercive manner, as such term is defined in the bill, with respect to individuals experiencing homelessness.