Yakima County commissioner requests executive session over Senate Bill 5232 and HEN eligibility changes

Commissioner McKinney asked the Board of Yakima County Commissioners to schedule an executive session to discuss potential legal exposure after the state legislature passed Senate Bill 5232, which he said removed a citizenship or documentation requirement for the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program.

At the May 15 work session, Commissioner McKinney said the state law change removes a prior requirement that HEN applicants be able to show lawful presence. He said, “I am not willing to support any programs that do not allow or require proof of citizenship,” and called for county counsel and staff to discuss next steps in closed session.

McKinney argued that the state change risks putting Washington in conflict with federal law and could lead to lawsuits or the withholding of federal funds if local agencies administer benefits in ways he said are inconsistent with federal requirements. He thanked corporate counsel—naming Dan and Lance—for preparing materials on short notice.

Julie Lawrence, clerk of the board, was asked to schedule an executive session to allow the board to consider legal options and policy direction. The chair indicated an executive session “sounds appropriate,” and no formal vote was recorded during the work session.

Commissioner McKinney said he wanted the board to take a formal stance and review the legal implications before agreeing to participate in administration of programs that, in his view, no longer require proof of lawful presence. The board did not adopt a policy during the meeting; the matter was set for further discussion in executive session.