Mandated homeless shelters draw criticism

OLYMPIA — Senate Bill 5107 would require counties with populations exceeding 50,000 to establish emergency housing and homeless shelters.

The bill sponsored by Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, would also require mental health, employment and police resources.

The law would force shelters to ban possession or use of alcohol and unprescribed drugs on the premises and to have a police presence during operating hours.

At a Feb. 3 hearing, more than 400 people signed in as opposed to the bill, telling the Senate Housing and Local Government Committee it would cost too much and place unnecessary burde...