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Welcome to Policy Watch 2003

WEEK 1

Every POLICY WATCH has three parts. (1) Information: on contacting legislators, learning more about issues, etc. This section was up-front the first week; it has been moved to the end. (2) A description of what is happening week by week in Olympia. (3) Brief items about specific bills, arranged by category.

This bulletin focuses primarily on health, social welfare, and low-income issues. And while it attempts to give readers enough information to guide actions (calls, letters, visits), it will not take positions or urge a particular action. That is up to you.

Go to Part III Issues

THE SCENE

If you have never been to Olympia, here is some of what you would find. There is still a "Capitol building" topped by a shiny dome, but it's closed to allow for earthquake repairs. Stretching out from the building on two sides are sweeping lawns, which spill over a small garden (dormant in the winter) and end at 11th Street to the North, and on Capitol Way to the East.

To the South of the Capitol, just across a paved parking area, are four buildings plus a couple of "modular units" (in a former parking lot). Starting from West to East are: the John L. O'Brien building - that houses about three-fourths of the 98 Representatives. The next two buildings are the John A. Cherberg and Irv Newhouse Buildings - with offices for most of the Senators.

Slightly behind them, in the parking lot, are one two-story modular unit (MOD2- housing the House floor, plus the offices of all the House Leadership), and another one-story modular unit (Mod1) for about 14 Representatives and their staff. The "mod" buildings are separated by a small white tent that looks, when deserted, like the after-math of a family wedding. Last on this row is the old State Library building - it now houses the Senate floor and a host of practical functions (the cafeteria, "ulcer gulch" - where the lobbyists hang out, the Legislative Information Service). Even the Governor's office had to be relocated: that's now in what used to be the Insurance Commissioner's building.

But since the part of the Capitol Campus where most of the action occurs is pretty small, it isn't hard for citizens to find their way around. Think of something about the size of a small college, or a company employing about 700 people. One newcomer found it very different than he was expecting. Instead of vast, intimidating spaces and long, confusing corridors, he found "…basically just a couple hundred people moving around 3 or 4 crowded buildings."

Getting into the swing of things is also easy. Another visitor had never before been to Olympia, never talked to an elected official, wasn't even sure what "lobbying" means. (For the record, "lobbying" has a specific meaning. It refers to communication with elected officials or their staff, that takes a position on a pending piece of legislation. Just talking to a legislator about an issue or providing information isn't lobbying… unless you try to influence their vote by stating a position and urging them to accept it.)

By day's end she had spoken to three Senators, left messages at both her Representatives' offices (one legislator's aide raced through the halls to give her the answer to her question), attended a hearing, and sat in on a strategy session hosted by childrens' advocates. She came away excited, enthusiastic, impressed by how friendly and helpful everyone had been, and - best of all - eager to recommend the experience to others.

It helps that ours is a part-time, citizen legislature full of people with other lives and other jobs. Most of the year our legislators are people who own small businesses and retired farmers, insurance salespeople and teachers, orchardists and firefighters. This year twenty of the 98 members of the House of Representatives are brand new; six of the 49-member Senate are new to that body - though five of them formerly served in the House.

And this year, whether they're brand new or old hands, we are asking them to deal with a $2.4 billion deficit in a $23 billion state general fund - with results that will affect the lives of every one of our 6,500,000 residents. It is a daunting task. And they need us to help them carry it out.

So the 2003 Session began with the budget crisis looming over everything. One result: long-time Olympia staff note that fewer bills are being introduced this year. One staffer speculated that there are two possibilities. It could just be a matter of getting a late start (moving offices… orienting new members… practical matters). But the more likely reason is the budget deficit. Legislators know there isn't any money for new initiatives, so they don't want to waste their own or anybody else's time writing bills that cannot pass.

THE PROCESS

This year Democrats hold a majority of the seats in the House of Representatives (52-46) while Republicans hold a majority of the seats in the Senate (25-24). Thus, nothing will happen without the support of both Democrats and Republicans. Former Governor Booth Gardener sometimes refers to the three numbers every knowledgeable citizen needs to keep in mind: 50 + 25 + 1. Those are the majorities need to pass any bill: 51% of the 98-member House = 50 votes; 51% of the 49-member Senate = 25; and the Governor = 1. (He who has the power to sign or veto any bill can sometimes be a majority of one.)

But partisan considerations are not as evident these first days and weeks of the Session. Instead, Committees devote much of their time to "work sessions" (like seminars, or extended briefings, where Committee members get to study broad topics in some depth), and Committee meetings focused on just one or two issues. For example, the Senate Committee on Children & Family Services & Corrections spent an hour hearing about the connections between foster families and birth parents and about "kinship care," while the House Committee on Juvenile Justice and Family Law found itself examining the "age of consent" for youth needing mental health treatment. Some Work Sessions focused on specifics related to the Budget (like why health care costs are rising so fast) while others looked at broader societal questions.

These Work Sessions are an opportunity for new members to learn the subject matter of the Committees they are assigned to. One legislator began his question with, "I'm a freshman here… so much of this is new to me.…" They also learn the style of new Committee chairs. With so many retirements last year, plus a shift in the Senate from Democrat to Republican control, a lot of Committees have new Chairs.


BRIEF SNAPSHOTS FROM WEEK ONE


** Even though many of the walls have been repainted, some of the best "earthquake art" - pictures drawn in around the cracks created by the quake -- remains.

** Lots of meeting-and-greeting going on - legislators, citizens, lobbyists, staff - rather like a big reunion. After all, many had not seen one another since the 2002 Session ended.

** There may be fewer bills introduced, but at least one - introduced by a western Washington Senator, would establish the ORCA as the state's official Mammal. (Landlocked eastern Washington may not agree.)

** The new Capitol cafeteria is great. It may have to accommodate a lot more people but it has windows! An unheard of luxury compared with the old space. And the bigger numbers mean total strangers get together - taking seats at any table they can find.

** The Legislative Information Service (formerly known as the Bill Room) has one space just across from the cafeteria, and another in the basement of the building. It is crowded into smaller space but just as helpful as always: with shelves full of handouts, computers for checking the status of bills, and friendly staff willing to help find any bill, any document, any scrap of information.

** Citizens were much in evidence from day one: home care workers, 25,000 (!) teachers and their supporters, college students worried about tuition increases, and more....

** One day a large contingent of Snohomish County high school students came, full of high energy and good ideas. One group testified before a Senate Committee in support of a bill to eliminate sodas from school vending machines (and replace them with nutritious items). Another group suggested that some of the money earned by prisoners convicted of sex crimes should go into the fund providing services to victims of sex crimes. By that afternoon, one of their Representatives was already drafting a bill to that effect.

** Pundits and commentators may think "there is no political will for tax increases" but two Senators - one a rural Conservative, the other an urban liberal - both expressed a readiness to consider new revenues as a way to prevent drastic cuts in vital programs. (So did some of the teachers who came from Bellingham on Tuesday.)

** Despite the urgency of the budget crisis, aides to the chief budget-writer in the House - Rep. Helen Sommers - reported that they were not being flooded by calls and letters this first week of Session. By mid-week they estimated they'd only had about 40 calls and emails on budget matters, and just about a dozen letters.

Brief Note. POLICY WATCH readers will want to read this bulletin with three things in mind. First, there is a vast array of topics considered by the legislature (many more than just those highlighted in PW). We ask a lot of the men and women we elect to serve. We don't have to like everything they do, but they deserve our respect.
Second, every activity, every program, every issue threatened by a budget cut has its champions; legislators will be pressured from all sides on every item in the state budget. Third, as citizens, it is our privilege to help our citizen-legislators as they sort among competing needs and make the difficult choices. If they are to represent us, they need to know how we wish to be represented.

In a representative democracy, speaking up offers no guarantee of success; but there is an absolute guarantee that if you don't speak up... you/your issue/the people you care about ... don't stand a chance.

The BUDGET

The Governor is required to send the legislature a budget that does not contain any new revenues ("Book One"). In December, despite the need to deal with a $2.4 billion deficit, he did just that. He also has the option of sending the legislature a second budget ("Book Two"); thus far he has given no indication that he plans to exercise that option.

In mid-March there will be new Revenue Forecasts, and soon after that the House Appropriations Committee will reveal its approach to resolving the problem of the budget deficit. They are free to include revenues as well as cuts in dealing with the deficit. By late March, with the appearance of a Senate version, three budgets will be on the table. (The Executive - Mr. Locke - proposes, but the Legislature disposes. And both try to gauge the wishes of the voters.)

Citizens who wish to influence the budget need to start contacting their legislators now. By the time the House budget appears, many members will have decided which budget items they intend to fight for, and which are less important to them - based on what they are hearing from constituents. Once the alternative budgets appear in print it is still possible to influence them, but the task is a whole lot harder.

Since the General Fund Budget is almost $23 billion, some assume that means the Governor and Legislature must trim about 10% from state spending. But that would be wrong.

The legislature is not allowed to cut most of current spending on k-12 - so deduct about $10 billion from the total. This year the state's college presidents (plus some of the major media) have made a powerful case that higher education should not be cut. If that holds -- take another $3 billion off the table. In addition there are certain inescapable costs - like the interest due on long-term bonds, or operating state prisons.

That is why some claim that there is really only about $9.2 billion of state-funded activities from which to take any cuts. And the lion's share of that $9.2 billion pays for health and human services - primarily for people with severe physical or mental illness, for child victims of abuse and neglect, for senior citizens suffering from dementia, or people with disabilities so severe they cannot possibly support themselves.

Our state requires that the budget be balanced. To accomplish that, our Governor, state Legislators, and we have three choices. We can: * do it all through cuts in spending (as the Governor has proposed), * raise additional revenues, or
* agree on some combination of the two.
The Governor's approach to solving the budget crisis is available on the Office of Financial Management website: www.ofm.wa.gov/. Now it is the Legislature's turn.


SOME CUTS IN GOVERNOR'S BUDGET
Suspend next steps in education initiatives $450 million
Health coverage for 60,000 low-wage workers $328 million
Social Services $215 million
Prisons $119 million
Eliminate 2,500 state jobs $100 million
Higher Education $ 94 million
Community Mental Health $ 60 million
End General Assistance for Unemployable adults $ 40 million
(For details of the budget proposals for issues you care about, contact the relevant advocacy group listed in Part I.)

Virtually nothing escapes cuts, not even "high priority" services to children -they are reduced by $60 million.

Many programs would be eliminated entirely, state employees would see their co-pays raised while vendors who carry out state contracts would get slight (or no) cost-of-living increases. Hundreds of state activities would be reduced.

With our help, the Legislature now must decide which elements of the Governor's plan it wishes to accept, which to reject, or whether to start over from scratch. Those decisions will dominate the next 14 weeks.

Budget-Related Sessions were conducted in Week One, e.g.:
HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE - presentation of the Governor's 2003-05 Budget.

HOUSE CAPITAL BUDGET COMMITTEE - overview of the Governor's proposed Capital Budget.

HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE - a review of a streamlined sales tax project.

SENATE HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE COMMITTEE - Overview of the Governor's proposed 03-05 budget for Developmental Disabilities.

SENATE WAYS & MEANS Committee - Overview of the Governor's 2003-05 Budget.


SELECT BUDGET-RELATED SESSIONS IN WEEK TWO

On Monday, 1/20 at 3:30 pm, the HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE will hold a Public Hearing on the Governor's Proposed Budget, with regard to HUMAN SERVICES. House Hearing Room A - O'Brien Building.

On Tuesday, 1/21, at 3:30 pm, the SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEEE, will conduct a Work Session on Higher Education Budget issues. Senate Hearing Room 4 - Cherberg Building.

On Wednesday, 1/22, at 3:30 pm, the SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE will conduct a Work Session on the Health Services Account. Senate Hearing Room 4 - Cherberg Building.

On Thursday, 1/23, at 3:30 pm, the SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE will conduct a Work Session on k-12 budget and compensation issues. Senate Hearing Room 4 - Cherberg Building.

 

PART III - SOME ISSUES

This section notes upcoming hearings, plus categories of bills, including:


Fair warning: This bulletin only comes out weekly, and does not pretend to be comprehensive. If there is an issue category you care about, use the legislative website to monitor (www.leg.wa.gov) because the action changes daily.

REMINDER: House Bill numbers begin with 1 or 2; Senate Bill numbers begin with 5 or 6. Thus a bill identified as SB 6264 is the 1,264th Senate Bill introduced in the session; HB 1058 would be the 58th bill introduced in the House. More recent bills have higher numbers.

 

AGING/LONG-TERM CARE

HB 1071/SB 5002 - PROVIDING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF. This is one of several bills to provide tax relief for senior citizens and others retired because of physical disability. (HB 1029/SB 5034 also deal with this issue.) The bills were referred to the House Finance Committee, and the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

HB 1091 to create a PRESCRIPTION DRUG QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND PURCHASING BOARD
This bill would develop a comprehensive prescription drug education and utilization system to increase consumer understanding, and reduced health care spending.
On Tuesday, 1/21 at 8:00 am. a Public Hearing is scheduled before the House Health Care Committee, House Hearing Room B, of the J.L. O'Brien Building. .
On Thursday, 1/23 at 10:00 am, this bill is scheduled for possible Executive Session. House Hearing Room B - O'Brien bldg.


Budget Items.
The Governor would eliminate vendor rate increases (includes those providing long-term care) and an anticipated home care worker pay increase.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman would be eliminated.

HIV/AIDS funding for AIDS drugs, care, and prevention is at risk.

The Governor has also proposed transferring administrative authority over the Evergreen Health Insurance Program (EHIP), which provides insurance continuation coverage to more than 700 clients statewide, from the Department of Social and Health Services over to the Department of Health. This move is supported by HIV/AIDS advocates.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES

On Wednesday, 1/22, at 8:00 am, the SENATE CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES & CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE will conduct a Work Session on the Department of Social & Health Services: DSHS- Facing the future, with Dennis Braddock, Secretary, DSHS.
Senate Hearing Room 4, J. A. Cherberg Building.


Budget items

The Governor's Budget proposals include a total of $60 million in cuts in a variety of programs that offer prevention and/or early intervention for children at risk. A $9.6 million cut is achieved by "block granting" funds from many programs. Among the programs affected are:
-- the ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE SERVICES,
-- SPECIAL PROJECTS,
-- STREET YOUTH SERVICES
-- VICTIMS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
-- INDIAN CHILD WEELFARE CONTRACTS,
-- FAMILY RECONCILIATION SERVICES, and
-- PEDICATRIC INTERIM CARE for medically fragile infants.

CHILD WELFARE/CHILDRENS' SERVICES

In Week One A Work Session of the Senate Children and Families Committee included panel presentations on the Kinship Care Work Group, and on Birth Family/Foster Family Connections. A bill will be introduced in Week Two that includes several recommendations of the Kinship Care Work Group.


HB 1040 - STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE
This bill removes the statute of limitations for claims or causes of action based on intentional conduct brought by any person for recovery of damages for injury suffered as result of childhood sexual abuse. Under this proposal such claim could be brought at any time.
On Tuesday, 1/21 at 1:30 pm, the House Judiciary Committee will conduct a Public Hearing on the bill.


HB 1058 - CONCERNING EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT FOR FOSTER CHILDREN.
This bill attempts to improve educational stability for children in foster care. It would establish as state policy that whenever practical and in the best interest of the child, foster children are to remain in the same school upon entry into foster care. The bill also directs DSHS to work closely with the relevant school districts and the courts to ensure the necessary coordination.
On Monday, 1/20 at 1:30 pm, a Public Hearing has been scheduled on the bill before the House Children & Family Services Committee, in House Hearing Room D, of the O'Brien Building.

The Committee will also conduct a Work Session on Foster and Adoptive Home placement.

HB 1054 - SPECIFYING CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH CLERGY MUST REPORT CHILD ABUSE OR NGELECT.
This bill adds clergy to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect. An exemption is included in the legislation for confidential communication that occurs in the context of a confession, where the clergy is - under canon law or church doctrine or practice - bound to maintain the confidentiality of the confession.
On Thursday, 1/23 at 1:30 pm, the House Children & Family Services Committee will hold a Public Hearing on HB 1054. House Hearing Room D, of the O'Brien Building.

SB 5038 - REVISING PROVISIONS RELATING TO PARENT VISITATION
This bill adds a new factor for courts to use when deciding visitation between parents. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.

Budget Items.
In the Governor's Budget:
-- Foster Care Services are reduced by $17.8 million.
-- The Family Policy Council and Community Networks are eliminated.
-- Several programs will be combined with reduced total funding: e.g., Continuum of Care, Home Based Services, Child Protective/Child Welfare Services Child Care, Intensive Family Preservation.

CIVIL RIGHTS/CIVIL LIBERTIES

It is expected that there will be an anti-discrimination bill introduced, a successor to the Cal Anderson civil rights bills of some years ago.

HB 1079 - TO PROVIDE IN-STATE TUITION FOR LONG-TERM RESIDENT IMMIGRANT CHILDREN
This bill provides that any student who has complete high school or its equivalent in this state, and who has attended at least three years of high school in this state, and has filed (or will file) an application for permanent residency will be eligible for in-state tuition rates at institutions of higher education. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Higher Education. No hearing scheduled yet.


HB 1090 -TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS.
This bill would extend the life of the WA state task force against the trafficking of persons, created by legislation in 2002. No hearing scheduled yet. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections.

DISABILITIES

SB 5035 - SPECIAL NEEDS TRANSPORTATION CONTRIBUTIONS.
This bill creates an opportunity for applicants of various vehicle fees to contribute voluntarily to assist persons with special transportation needs. The account could be used only for improving transportation services to persons with special transportation needs. Referred to the Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation.

SB 5162 - TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
This bill revises eligibility to provide special need transportation services, by bringing for-profit special transportation providers under the same regulation as non-profit providers. The rationale is that providers who provide the same type of service should be regulated in the same way. Referred to the Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation.


Budget Items
The Governor would eliminate: Developmental Disabilities pre-vocational services (sheltered workshops) which serve 1,400 individuals; "optional" Medicaid programs which provide dental, vision, and hearing services; new funding for implementing the Olmstead decision, the Voluntary Placement Program, and Family Support - among other services. The Governor's budget also provides for no vendor rate increase, and no home care worker pay increases.

Also eliminated would be funds for administration of the Development Disabilities Endowment, and the Long Term Care Ombudsman. And the Governor would eliminate optional Health Care for Workers with Disability (the Medicaid buy-in portion of "Ticket to Work").

HEALTH CARE

BUDGET-RELATED REVIEWS -
SENATE COMMITTEE on HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE, in Senate Hearing Rm 4, John A. Cherberg Building.
On Tuesday, 1/21, at 1:30 pm, Work Session: the Nursing Shortage.
On Wednesday, 1/22, at 1:30 pm, Work Session on Medicaid, and the Basic Health Plan (BHP).


HB 1067 - INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR NEURODEVELOPMENTAL THERAPIES
This bill would extend health plan coverage for neurodevelopmental
therapies to children under the age of 18 for public employees and
employer-sponsored group policy for comprehensive health insurance.
Referred to the House Committee on Health Care.
HB 1091 to create a PRESCRIPTION DRUG QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND PURCHASING BOARD
This bill would develop a comprehensive prescription drug education and utilization system to increase consumer understanding, and reduced health care spending.
On Tuesday, 1/21 at 8:00 am. a Public Hearing is scheduled before the House Health Care Committee, House Hearing Room B, of the J.L. O'Brien Building. .
On Thursday, 1/23 at 10:00 am, this bill is scheduled for possible Executive Session. House Hearing Room B - O'Brien bldg.

SB 5060 - TO CREATE AN ADVISORY COUNCIL ON CHILDRENS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
This bill would create a Council to review existing laws, regulations, and standards and report to the Governor by December 1, 2004, with recommendations for ways to reduce children's exposure to environ-mental hazards. Referred to the Cttee on Health & Long-Term Care.


Budget Items:
The Governor's budget would:
-- eliminate "optional" Medicaid services - dental, vision, and hearing;
-- eliminate Health Care for Workers with Disability - the Medicaid Buy-In portion of "Ticket to Work"
-- eliminate Medical care for General Assistance recipients (about 6,600 people, most of whom have serious physical or mental disabilities)
-- eliminate the Basic Health Plan for 60,000 childless adults
-- eliminate a scheduled expansion of the Basic Health Plan called for by I-773
-- reduce spending in the Childrens' Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
-- reduce spending on Medicaid services for low-income children.
-- eliminate the Medically Indigent program, for a cut of $81 million.

However in addition to cuts, the Governor's budget would also provide "backfill" funding for local health departments to replace funds lost as a result of I-695.

HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS

The SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INSURANCE & HOUSING will conduct a Work Session on
Housing Issues - An Overview by the Housing Division, Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development.
Tuesday, 1/21 at 8:00 am in Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Bldg.


HB 1071/SB 5002 - PROVIDING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF. This is one of several bills to provide tax relief for senior citizens and others retired because of physical disability. (HB 1029/SB 5034 also deal with this issue.) Referred to the House Finance Committee, and the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.


Budget Items:
The Governor's Proposed Budget under-funds the Housing Trust Fund by $15 million. (The HTF is part of the Capital Budget, not the General Fund Budget.)

For affordable housing and shelter projects, CTED would establish a "…loan origination fee, and a monitoring and inspection fee," to generate $1.2 million.

However it makes no cuts to Shelter programs, or to LIHEAP (Low Income Heat & Energy Assistance Program).

HUNGER AND NUTRITION

Budget Items
Hunger programs appear to be unharmed in the Governor's budget.

WIC - Women, Infants, and Childrens health and nutrition program for high risk women and children is not cut.
TEFAP - the EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - would not be cut in the Governor's proposed Budget.

JUVENILES/YOUTH

HB1009 - VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES
This bill would make it a misdemeanor to sell, rent, or permit to be sold or rented, any violent video or computer game to any minor.
On Wednesday, 1/22 at 6:00 pm (Note the evening hour), the House Committee on Juvenile Justice and Family Law will conduct a Public Hearing on the Bill. House Hearing Room C, O'Brien Bldg.

HB 1010 - DISCHARGE OF A MINOR FROM A MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY
This bill directs the 'professional person' to discharge minors who have been voluntarily admitted to an evaluation and treatment facility, on the second judicial day following receipt of the minor's notice of intent to leave the facility. Under current law, such a minor must be discharged immediately; this bill provides a bit of "breathing room."
Referred to the House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Law. No hearing has been scheduled yet.

HB1028 - INVESTMENT IN PROVEN INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK YOUTH
This bill directs the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to conduct research and make recommendations to the Legislature by December 15, 2003. Areas include "… the criteria, processes, and institutional arrangements" for best practices. Estimates for reductions in the state justice system, and possible cost savings from intervention and prevention programs focused on youth at high risk for involvement with the justice system.
On Thursday, 1/23 at 10:00 am the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee will conduct a Public Hearing on the bill.


HB 1070 - TO CHANGE THE AGE OF CONSENT FOR MINORS RECEIVING CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT.
This bill addresses issues related to mental health/chemical dependency treatment. Under current law, parents have available opportunities to place children in treatment for youth ages13 to 19. However, this is rarely used and not well known. This bill addresses the perception of parents that they do not have enough control to help their teen-age children facing chemical dependency or mental health issues. It attempts to clarify the circumstances under which a parent can initiate treatment for a minor child, or a child can seek treatment on a confidential basis.
On Thursday, 1/23, at 10:00 am, the Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee will conduct a Public Hearing on the bill. It is understood that the Committee will consider a Substitute Bill (possibly focusing more on in-patient care), not the bill as originally drafted.

Future: A bill including prevention/early intervention best practices is anticipated.

Budget Items
The Governor's proposed budget would cut:
-- Secure and Non-secure Community Residential Centers for runaway youth, eliminated;
-- Truancy petition funding (reduced by $1.7 million).

MENTAL HEALTH

HB 1010 - RAISING THE AGE OF CONSENT
This bill concerns minors who wish to be discharged from a mental health facility. It would raise the age of consent from the current age of thirteen, to age sixteen, for minors who are voluntarily admitted to an evaluation and treatment care facility. Currently, a minor at the age of thirteen can request to leave the treatment center without the consent of parent(s) or the designated mental health professional.
This bill was referred to the House Committee on Juvenile Justice and Family Law.

HB 1041 - AUTHORIZING MENTAL HEALTH ADVANCE DIRECTIVES.
This bill affirms that a validly executed mental health advance directive is to be respected by all parties involved with a person's care. The legislature also declares that a person with capacity is able to control the decisions relating to mental health care. By stating the type of care a mentally ill individual wishes to receive, that individual can ensure their preference for treatment will be carried out (should they become incapacitated by their mental illness). This bill appears similar to bills introduced last year.
On Friday, 1/24 at 1:30 pm this bill is scheduled for a Public Hearing before the House Committee on the Judiciary, in House Hearing Room B, of the J.L. O'Brien Building.

HB 1066 - HEALTH CARE FACILITY QUALITY ASSURRANCE AND PATIENT PROTECTION.
This bill concerns public health and safety. It would increase the state's ability to redress risks to patient's safety by implementing a "rapid remediation system." The intent is to avoid the delays and inconveniences of the formal sanctioning process currently in place.
The facilities that would be using this new system are: (1) Acute care hospitals; (2) Psychiatric hospitals; and (3) Alcohol and chemical dependency hospitals.
This bill was referred to the House Committee on Health Care. No hearing scheduled yet.

HB 1067 - INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR NEURODEVELOPMENTAL THERAPIES
This bill applies to public employees and their dependents. It would require health plans to cover these therapies for individuals age eighteen and under. The current age range that is covered
is six and under. This bill was referred to the House Committee on Health Care.

HB 1070 - CHANGING THE AGE OF CONSENT FOR MINORS RECEIVING CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT.
This bill addresses issues related to mental health/chemical dependency treatment. Under current law, parents have available opportunities to place children in treatment for youth ages13 to 19. However, this is rarely used and not well known. This bill addresses the perception of parents that they do not have enough control to help their teen-age children facing chemical dependency or mental health issues. It attempts to clarify the circumstances under which a parent can initiate treatment for a minor child, or a child can seek treatment on a confidential basis.
On Thursday, 1/23, at 10:00 am, the Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee will conduct a Public Hearing on the bill. It is understood that the Committee will consider a Substitute Bill (possibly focusing more on in-patient care), not the bill as originally drafted.


HB 1091 - CREATE A PRESRIPTION DRUG QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND PURCHASING BOARD.
The intent of this act is to develop a comprehensive drug education and utilization system. This system will attempt to ensure the best prescribing practices and pharmaceutical use and to reduce administrative burdens on providers. This system also hopes to save the state and consumers money on the purchase of pharmaceutical drugs. This will be accomplished by implementing a sound evidence-based process that will evaluate the therapeutic value and cost-effectiveness of prescription drugs. This may include the use of preferred prescription lists which may limit a consumer's choice.
On Tuesday, 1/21 at 8:00 am. a Public Hearing is scheduled before the House Health Care Committee, House Hearing Room B, of the J.L. O'Brien Building. .
On Thursday, 1/23 at 10:00 am, this bill is scheduled for possible Executive Session. House Hearing Room B - O'Brien bldg.


Budget Item
The Governor's proposed budget would cut:
-- Mental Health Community Services by $39.4 million
-- Mental Health Facilities - capped at existing bed levels.
-- Regional Support Networks by $20 million.
-- Mentally Ill Offender Program serving about 25 individuals released from Corrections and transitioning into communities, is eliminated.

REVENUES

SB 5056 - RELATING TO TAX REFORM
This bill appears to provide for a form of graduated tax based on Adjusted Gross Income as determined for federal income tax purposes.
It is the intent of the bill to provide the necessary revenues for the support of vital state services on a more stable and equitable basis.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.

SB 5057 - RELATING TO TAX REFORM
This bill appears to provide for a flat tax to be applied to Adjusted Gross Income, determined for federal income tax purposes.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.

SJR 8200 - RELATING TO TAX REFORM
This Senate Joint Resolution proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to authorize an income tax. At the next general election held in this state, the secretary of state would submit an amendment to Article VII of the Constitution of the state of Washington to permit adoption of a graduated income tax. It would go to the voters of the state for their approval and ratification, or rejection.

SEXUAL ABUSE/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

HB 1040 - TO REMOVE THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE
This bill only applies to civil cases.
On Tuesday, 1/21 at 1:30 pm, this bill is scheduled for a Public Hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, in House Hearing Room B, O'Brien Building.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE/TREATMENT

HB 1011 - VOLUNTARY INTOXICATION AS A DEFENSE
Under this bill, Voluntary Intoxication will not be allowed as a defense against a criminal charge. Referred to Committee on Judiciary

Budget item
The Governor's proposed budget did not cut Community Mobilization - for local substance abuse and violence prevention.

WELFARE

HB 1027 - TO PROVIDE COMPETITIVE CONTRACTS FOR WORKFIRST SERVICES
This bill would permit DSHS to engage in competitive contracting using performance-based contracts to provide services to WorkFirst recipients.
On Thursday, 1/23 at 1:30 pm, the House Children & Family Services Committee will hold a Work Session on a status report on the WorkFirst Program, and a Third-Year Accountability Report for WorkFirst Training programs.
The Work Session will be followed by a Public Hearing on HB 1027. House Hearing Room D, of the O'Brien Building.


Coming: Advocates for low-income families in the TANF program (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) expect to see a bill introduced to provide for expanded education opportunities in the form of a "G.I." - Gaining Independence - bill.


Budget Items.
Once again the "Welfare Box" - which is under the Governor's direct responsibility - faces a short-fall: $35 million this time. These funds support child care, one-time payments for rent and
utilities and cash assistance, and other services. (Last year's shortfall resulted in $50 million in cuts in childcare, job training, and social services.) Advocates are watching closely, and are concerned that funds intended to help families transitioning from welfare to work could be in jeopardy.

Services and programs for low-income childless adults are generally hit very hard in the Governor's budget. Of special concern are:
-- General Assistance Unemployable (GAU) cash assistance, which helps about 10,000 adults meet basic subsistence needs, is cut by $40.3 million. Most GAU recipients have mental and/or physical disabilities.
-- GAU medical care, which serves about 6,600 childless adults, is cut by $65.9 million.

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Policy Watch 2008

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