Policy Watch 2003
Welcome to Policy Watch 2003
WEEK 11
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
This is a great time to visit Olympia. The cherry trees are in full bloom, daffodils
line all the paths, and the wisdom of putting the Capitol where it is, is obvious.
Plus, we're down to the last four weeks of the regular Session. Week Twelve
is the last week for bills to be considered in Committee, and the sharp philosophical
differences between the Democrat-controlled House and the Republican-controlled
Senate are very apparent. Bills that breezed through the House are stalling
in the Senate… and vice versa, so reactions from constituents (who tend
to be less partisan) bring important balance to the process. And while budget
options are being openly discussed - they aren't yet final. All are excellent
reasons for coming to Olympia now.
This is a good time for a quick reminder of what is happening.
If you are following particular bills, you know that POLICY WATCH is much shorter:
all the "dead" bills have been removed. Bills that are still "alive"
now go through the same process in the "opposite house" they went
through in their "own house/house of origin" - but in just half the
time: a little over two weeks, instead of the four-and-a-half they get at the
beginning. So if you think you've heard all this before, except for a few details…
you have.
Here's the drill in the "opposite house."
* Live bills need to get a Public Hearing (when members hear public testimony
on the bill) before the relevant POLICY COMMITTEE in the opposite house. Happening
now.
* Once bills have been "heard" they become eligible for Executive
Session (when Committee members discuss, amend, and vote for/against). Also
happening now.
* Bills that win a majority vote in a policy committee go on to Public Hearings
and Executive Session in a FISCAL COMMITTEE - Appropriations or Finance in the
House, Ways & Means in the Senate. Fiscal Committee cut-off is April 7.
* Bills that win a majority vote in a fiscal committee move on to the House
or Senate RULES COMMITTEES, which votes whether to put them on a Floor Calendar.
* Bills that make it onto a Floor Calendar, may be voted on by the full House
or Senate during Floor Action.
* Any differences between the House and Senate versions get resolved in a CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE, with the final compromise bill going to a one last vote in identical
form by both houses.
* Finally, the bills that win a majority vote on both the House and Senate
floors, are the ones still standing when the music stops: they move to the desk
of the Governor.
There are some procedural exceptions provided for in the House and Senate rules,
but that's the standard route for most bills.
The big difference is evident in the number of bills now being considered.
Over these past eleven weeks, 1,055 bills were introduced in the Senate, plus
1,234 introduced in the House, along with Gubernatorial appointments and dozens
of "resolutions" commemorating everything from individuals and industries
to local high school wrestling teams. As these two-thousand-plus bills get winnowed
down by the process, the work load in Committees slows. Three examples will
make the point.
During the first half of the Session, 41 "own house bills" were referred
to the House Committee on Children & Family Services, but they only got
6 "opposite house bills" sent to them from the Senate. The House Higher
Education Committee had 28 "own house bills" referred to it by the
House, but only 8 "opposite house bills" on higher education survived
the process in the other body and got referred to it from the Senate. The House
Health Care Committee was sent 79 "own house bills," but this time
around got only 21 from the Senate. Similar numbers would apply to all the Committees.
By the end of Week Eleven, all were already working their way through the bills
before them, holding Public Hearings and Executive Sessions and passing "opposite
house bills" along.
So, if a bill you care about is still alive, make your legislators aware of
your feelings - pro, con, or wanting specific changes. By the end of Week Twelve,
Committee work will have finished for this Session, the focus will be on final
Floor Votes and that elephant in the living room: the budget.
Budgets are already getting more attention, as the following items illustrate.
First out of the box: proposed Transportation Budget.
House Democrats released their proposal for a $4.6 billion (2003-2005) Transportation
Budget that includes a 3 cent-a-gallon increase in the gas tax, to generate
additional money for roads, car ferries, and public transit. Referred to by
some as "Referendum 51-Lite," it reflects one view of how to improve
transportation gridlock after the failure of Referendum 51 at the polls last
November. Next day the Governor proposed raising the gas tax by 4 cents. And
the Senate Republicans quickly countered with a $4.1 billion proposal that includes
a 5 cents-a-gallon gas tax increase, to generate even more money for roads.
One thing is common to all three: none would go to the people; all would be
decided in Olympia.
Democrats had already expressed a willingness to consider some revenues, but
until this week, Republican comments led many to believe they would not. This
week's proposals are a good reminder to always pay attention to details. Republicans
have indeed said they oppose any NEW taxes; it now becomes clear they do not
oppose increasing an EXISTING tax. That immediately fueled questions: if Senator
Republicans are willing to raise existing taxes for roads, are they also willing
to raise existing taxes for people?
Second budget getting attention: the 2001-2003 Supplemental Budget. In odd-numbered
years the legislature passes a biennial budget covering two years. In even-number
years they pass a "supplemental" budget - usually modest adjustments
to carry the state through to the end of the current fiscal year. This year's
Supplemental Budget stalled over an issue of roughly $400,000 in funding for
a bankrupt nursing home. As a result, the legislature has not finished work
on the FY 2001-2003 Supplemental Budget, something they should have settled
by now.
Third budget getting attention: the 2003-2005 General Operating Budget. By
tradition, the House would be the first to offer a proposed budget this year.
But rumors are flying that the Senate Ways & Means Committee is tired of
waiting and will jump the line to offer its own version the General Fund Operating
Budget within the week. Senate Republicans have been open in their praise for
the Governor's "all cuts" approach to resolving the deficit, and are
expected to offer something very similar, but with deeper cuts.
However it is not clear they understand the impact an all-cuts budget would
have back home. One Republican Senator confidently told visitors to his office
there was no need to include any revenues in the budget. He then seemed genuinely
surprised when they offered two reasons. First, one-fourth of the people living
in his Legislative District receive services from the Department of Social and
Health Services - the agency likely to be hit hardest by an all-cuts budget,
and second, those services bring about $120 million annually into his district.
(And that doesn't include all the people in his district likely to lose eligibility
for the Basic Health Plan or state services from other government agencies.)
"Surprises" like this are likely to become more frequent as the budget
wars heat up.
PRACTICAL TIP
Friday, April 4 marks the next cut-off: the date when all bills must be voted
on in an "opposite house" policy Committee - or die. If a bill you
care about is still alive, contact the relevant Policy Committee Chair, or ask
your own legislator to make the contact, but let them know your views. If you
don't see your bill listed for a Public Hearing or Executive Session, make those
contacts ASAP. Some Committees don't publish the list of bills they will consider
until just before, so not seeing a bill listed is no reason to write it off.
Use the Toll-free HOTLINE. It only accepts messages to YOUR Senator, Representatives,
plus the Governor. And it takes only a minute or two: brief HOTLINE messages
are the order of the day. Call: 1-800-562-6000.
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BRIEF SNAPSHOTS FROM THIS WEEK
** Wednesday was a bad day for getting work done. First a power line was accidentally
cut, shutting off most computers; then protestors chained themselves to the
Pritchard building door, cutting off access to the building and everyone in
it. Some staff went home early, others used the down-time to straighten their
offices, pretty much everyone was affected.
** Some legislators only get negative messages on the subject of "taxes"
- e.g., No taxes -but gradually a new message is being heard: "tax me before
cutting services."
** By tradition, new members of the Senate bring gifts for their colleagues
from home. One new member - from an area known for its paper products - gave
out rolls of toilet paper.
** Think your messages aren't noticed? One constituent was pleased to learn
that an email she'd sent to her Senator early in the morning had been placed
on the Senator's chair to await her arrival in the office that day. Another
first-time visitor thanked her Senator for being so responsive. It seems she'd
called to leave a message and was startled when that same evening she answered
her phone to find her Senator on the other end … returning the call!
** Blood is thicker than politics. One legislator was courted by both parties
to run for the seat he now holds. When he told his grandmother he could run
as a Republican or Democrat, she said that obviously it was his choice…
but if he chose the former, she'd have to kill him.
** Information + Media = Action. Early this week the Children's Alliance issued
a report documenting problems with the state's new centralized child abuse reporting
system. Articles appeared in local papers, and soon after turned up in the "Daily
Clips" compiled for legislators. On Thursday a House Committee had sheriffs,
advocates, and staff in to testify about the situation. By week's end, DSHS
had promised a complete review.
Budget Notes:
HB 1447 - STATUTORY CHANGES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT the 2003-05 OPERATING BUDGET.
This is the bill that would make the changes in human services-related statutes
necessary to implement the 2003-2005 omnibus operating appropriations bill.
Remains in the House Committee on Appropriations. No hearing scheduled.
SB 5403 - the 2003 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET.
In Week Six the House passed SB 5403 by a vote of 94-1 (3 absent).
In Week Three the Senate passed SB 5403 - a Supplemental to the biennial Budget
for 2001-2003. The vote was 29-20. A number of provisions simply accepted budget
saving recommendations contained in the Governor proposed 2003-2005 biennial
budget, but would move up the effective date to April 1. Among the provisions
were several health care cuts proposed in the Governor's budget for 2003-2005;
this bill would make them effective immediately (e.g., no new applicants will
be accepted in the Basic Health Plan). They reasoned that if this saves money
in future years, these cuts could begin saving money now.
Also included in the Senate Supplemental budget are reductions in adoption support,
legal services for low-income, crime victims' assistance, and state library
services.
The House Appropriations Committee chose to work from the Senate bill. Like
the Senate, the House agreed to speed up some of the reductions recommended
by the Governor for the new budget. In addition, they would lay off 200 state
workers, limit the number participating in the Basic Health Plan, restore some
funding for the state library, help out trauma hospitals, and pay for some newly-identified
increases (e.g., for schools, prisons, health care). Not included is the Senate
cut of $1.5 million in Adoption Support.
In Week Six the bill passed the House by a vote of 94-1.
For a list of Health and Human Services cuts in the Governor's proposed budget,
and the BUDGET process in brief, see WEEK ONE and WEEK TWO of POLICY WATCH.
Issue Categories also contained brief notes on proposed budget cuts.
The Governor's approach to solving the budget crisis is available on the Office
of Financial Management website: www.ofm.wa.gov/.
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. 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
SB 5034 - PROVIDING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS RETIRED
BECAUSE OF PHYSICAL DISABILITY. The title of this bill tells the content. Several
bills were introduced on the same subject; this one survived.
SB 5034 passed the Senate by a vote of 43-6.
In Week Eleven, it got a Public Hearing before the House. Finance Committee.
Eligible for Executive Session.
E2SHB 1214 - TO CREATE A PRESCRIPTION DRUG EDUCATION AND UTILIZATION PROGRAM.
As amended, this bill now contains elements of several bills, dealing with:
Bulk Purchasing by state agencies, Information and Referral to free drug programs,
Preferred drug lists, and Instructions to the department to seek a Medicaid
Waiver from the federal government to create a prescription drug benefit for
low-income individuals. (The Governor's original proposal assumed funding for
a senior pharmacy Medicaid waiver would come from co-pays and deductibles levied
on children. This proposal was rejected.) Doing any of these things is contingent
on finding a funding source - no small trick given the $2.4 billion deficit.
An estimated 50,000 low-income seniors lack drug coverage, and Medicare doesn't
cover medications. Legislators in both parties appear determined to do something,
and this bill is moving. Action in Week Three included amendments adopted in
the Appropriations Committee, fast approval of the amended bill - now known
as Second Substitute House Bill (2SHB), and prompt action by the House.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 64-33.
In Week Ten, it got a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Health &
Long-Term Care. Eligible for Executive Session.
SHB 1275 - TRANSFERRING THE HUMAN IMMUNO-DEFICIENCY VIRUS INSURANCE PROGRAM
TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
This bill reflects the Governor's proposed transfer of administrative authority
over the Evergreen Health Insurance Program (EHIP) from the Department of Social
and Health Services to the Department of Health. EHIP provides insurance continuation
coverage to more than 700 clients statewide. The move is supported by HIV/AIDS
advocates.
This bill is now in the Senate Rules Cttee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor
Action.
HB 1777 - IMPLEMENTING THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HOME
CARE QUALITY AUTHORITY AND INDIVIDUAL HOME CARE PROVIDERS.
(See explanation at end of this section, under Budget Items.) This bill remains
alive, because it is deemed "necessary to implement the budget."
In Week Ten, a Work Session was held on this bill - before the Senate Ways &
Means Committee. It remains in the House Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled
for Floor Action. It is considered necessary to implement the budget, and so
remains alive.
SB 5904 - CONCERNING PRESCRIPTION DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS
This bill would establish the Medicaid Senior Prescription Drug program. DSHS
is directed to obtain necessary federal waivers to implement this program, and
develop ways to pay for it. E.g., DSHS could charge enrollment fees, premiums,
or point-of-service cost-sharing to enrollees of the program.
In Week Eleven, this bill got a Public Hearing before the House Health Care
Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.
Budget Items.
Home Care Workers wages. When Initiative I-775 was passed by the voters it
established a Home Care Quality Authority and gave 26,000 Independent Provider
home care workers (those contracting directly with individuals needing services)
the right to bargain for better wages and benefits. They now have an approved
contract, providing for modest wage increases, plus basic benefits. A related
group of 8,000 Agency home care workers (those hired by agencies) is seeking
parity. Both work long, difficult jobs for low wages (less than $8.00/hour),
no benefits, and frequent injuries.
These very low-earning workers are now pressing the legislature to make good
on the promise of I-775. The Governor included funds for the contract in his
budget. The Legislature must vote on the contract, but cannot change it.
The Governor eliminates vendor rate increases (includes those providing long-term
care) and an expected home care worker increase.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman was eliminated in the Governor's original budget
proposal. It is now believed that this provision was dropped when it was learned
that "elimination" would jeopardize $19 million in federal Older Americans
Act (OAA) funding. However, he is still calling for a $1.2 million reduction
in state funding.
The Senate proposed supplemental budget, which accelerates many of the Governor's
proposed cuts, did not include this reduction. In Week Seven interested parties
were seeking a compromise on this issue, hoping to find a way to retain the
Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
The Governor would cut funding for nursing homes by $34.6 million in state
funds ($69.6 million when matching funds are included).
HIV/AIDS funding for AIDS drugs, care, and prevention is at risk.
CHILDREN'S
ISSUES
2SHB 1545 - TO CONSOLIDATE EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.
This bill reflects a growing body of evidence demonstrating the critical importance
of a child's early years on healthy brain and other development. The goal of
this bill is the development of a "seamless" statewide system of programs
and services for early learning and child care, including a more comprehensive
approach to "readiness to learn." Such activities are currently housed
in five state agencies, and numerous programs within those agencies. As amended,
the list of early learning and child care services to be consolidated is modified,
and the duties of the Task Force created by the bill would be expanded. E.g.,
it would include developing a plan to address barriers to consolidation, such
as issues relating to facilities and transportation.
On Tuesday, 4/1 at 1:30 pm, there will be a Public Hearing in the Senate Education
Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Building.
HB 1563 - PROVIDING A PROCEDURE FOR COURT ORDERED CONTACT WITH A CHILD BY NON-PARENTS.
This bill provides a procedure by which non-parents may petition the court for
court ordered visitation. This would allow a non-parent who has had a parent-like
relationship with a child over a substantial period of time, to seek court-ordered
visitation - provided the parent or custodian give consent. (This bill is similar
to SB 5708.)
This bill is now in the Senate Children & Family Services & Corrections
Committee.
E2HB 2114 - RELATING TO THE FUNDING OF FAMILY PRESERVATION AND INTERVENTION
SERVICES.
This bill combines the funding previously provided for the alternative response
system, continuum of care, family preservation services and intensive family
preservation services. The combined funds would be allocated through a request
for proposal issued by the Department of Social and Health Services for the
provision of family preservation an intervention services in the state. Further,
the bill establishes a family preservation and intervention services panel convened
by DSHS. The panel would review and rate all proposals for family preservation
and intervention services throughout the state and be responsible for the allocation
of the funds.
This bill is now in the Senate Children & Family Services & Corrections
Committee.
SB 6016 - TRANSFERRING THE FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILD
ABUSE AND NEGLECT TO THE FAMILY POLICY COUNCIL.
This bill is now in the Senate Rules Committee. It remains alive because it
was deemed "necessary to implement the budget." It could be called
to the Senate Floor at any time.
Budget items
HB 1447- MAKING HUMAN SERVICES-RELATED STATUTORY CHANGES NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT
THE 2003-05 APPROPRIATIONS BILL.
Offered on behalf of the Governor, the bill modifies current state statues that
relate to cuts in the Governor's budget. For example, Readiness to Learn was
cut in the proposed budget, and thus HB1447 eliminates all statutory references
to the program.
This bill has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee but has not
been scheduled for a hearing.
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
ESHB 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. This last provision has become controversial.
This bill is now before the Senate Committee on Children & Family Services
& Corrections.
SHB 1058 - 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 Tuesday 4/1, Wednesday 4/2, or Friday 4/4 - all at 8:00 am, this bill is
eligible for possible Executive Session in the Senate Committee on Children
& Family Services & Corrections. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.
SHB 1233 - IMPROVING SERVICES FOR KINSHIP CAREGIVERS
This bill requires DSHS to increase the number of children placed with willing
and able relatives, to establish a regional kinship care navigator position,
to help kinship care providers to be identified as primary care givers for medical,
educational and other care decisions, and establish an oversight committee and
report. All of this would be achieved within existing resources. This bill's
Fiscal Note shows a savings of $1 million for '03-'05.
On Tuesday 4/1, Wednesday 4/2, or Friday 4/4 - all at 8:00 am, this bill is
eligible for possible Executive Session in the Senate Committee on Children
& Family Services & Corrections. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.
SHB 1236 -PROVIDING PUBLIC ACCESS TO CHILD DEPENDANCY HEARINGS
This bill provides that the public shall not be excluded from child dependency
hearings, unless the judge finds that excluding the public is in the best interests
of the child.
On Tuesday 4/1, Wednesday 4/2, or Friday 4/4 - all at 8:00 am, this bill is
eligible for possible Executive Session in the Senate Committee on Children
& Family Services & Corrections. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.
2SHB 1784 - IMPROVING COORDINATION OF SERVICES FOR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH
This bill expresses support for the recommendations contained in the recent
study conducted by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee and directs
the Department of Social and Health Services and the Office of the Superintendent
of Public Instruction to implement the recommendations. Further, the bill directs
DSHS to collect and analyze mental health cost, service, and outcome data specific
to children.
This bill is now in the Senate Children & Family Services & Corrections
Committee.
2SHB 1841 - FUNDING PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES.
This bill directs DSHS to establish and implement uniform criteria for funding
prevention and early intervention services and programs that are state-operated
or contracted. It establishes a uniform funding criteria that includes: research-based,
measurable outcomes, cost effectiveness, community involvement, and evaluation
of program outcomes.
On Wednesday, 4/2 at 8;00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate
Cttee on Children & Family Services & Corrections. Senate Hearing Room
4, Cherberg Building.
HB 1878 - PROVIDING THE COURTS ACCESS TO INFORMATION IN THRID PARTY CUSTODY
PETITIONS
This bill requires that prior to granting any order regarding custody of a child
in a third party custody arrangement, the court shall consult the judicial information
system to determine the existence of any information relevant to the placement
of a child. (Third party custody is an option available to kinship caregivers.)
On Tuesday, 4/1 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate
Cttee on Children & Family Services & Corrections. Senate Hearing Room
4, Cherberg Building.
HB 2000 - THIRD PARTY CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING THE INDIAN CHILD WELFARE
ACT.
This bill revises provisions pertaining to the third party custody proceedings
involving the Indian Child Welfare Act.
This bill is now in the Senate Children & Family Services & Corrections
Committee.
HJM 4012 - ENCOURAGING COUNTIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO ESTABLISH A CHILDREN'S
ADVOCACY CENTER.
Encourages counties and local governments to establish and administer a Children's
Advocacy Center, which is a member of the national Children's Alliance, to improve
outcomes for child victims of sexual abuse. Note: HJM stands for House Joint
Memorial. A joint memorial is not the same as a bill, and if it passes, it will
not have the force of law. A joint memorial is merely a request directed at
an outside body - in this case county and local governments - which can act
on the request, or ignore it.
On Tuesday 4/1, Wednesday 4/2, or Friday 4/4 - all at 8:00 am, this bill is
eligible for possible Executive Session in the Senate Committee on Children
& Family Services & Corrections. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.
SB 5379 - PROVIDING PUBLIC ACCESS TO CHILD DEPENDANCY HEARINGS
While similar to HB 1236, this is narrower and not a "companion" bill.
This bill states that the public shall not be excluded from hearings unless
the court finds that there is reasonable cause to believe that the health, safety,
or welfare of the child would be jeopardized by conducting a public hearing.
Further, both parents may request that the court exclude the public, subject
to the court's discretion.
On Monday 3/31 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House
Committee on Children & Family Services. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.
SB 5474 - CREATING A KINSHIP CAREGIVER'S AUTHORIZATION AFFIDAVIT
This bill contains the medical and educational affidavits for kinship caregivers
to provide consent on medical and educational matters. (also contained in HB
1233).
On Monday 3/31 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House
Committee on Children & Family Services. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.
SB 5708 - PROVIDING A PROCEDURE FOR COURT ORDERED CONTACT WITH A CHILD BY NON-PARENTS
This bill specifies the circumstances under which a non-parent may initiate
a court proceeding for contact with a child. Several criteria must be satisfied,
along with evidence that the child would suffer if denied the relationship.
(It is similar in intent to HB 1563.)
On Tuesday, 4/1 at 8:00 am, this bill is eligible for Executive Session in the
House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Law. House Hearing Room C,
O'Brien Building.
SB 5779 - RE SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN
This bill requires that when a court orders a child removed from home the court
make every effort to place the child with siblings unless there is reasonable
cause to believe the health, safety, or welfare of the child or siblings would
be jeopardized. If not placed with siblings the court must consider contact
or visits with siblings, and if the parent-child relationship is terminated
the status of the child's sibling relationships must be addressed… unless
there is reasonable cause to believe the health, safety or welfare of the child
would be jeopardized. Last, if parental rights are terminated, the child placing
agency must ensure that siblings are placed together or can contact or visit,
unless there is risk to the health, safety, or welfare.
On Monday 3/31 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House
Committee on Children & Family Services. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.
SB 5811 - REQUIRING GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT OF BIRTH FAMILIES
IN FOSTER CARE.
This bill has four provisions to encourage foster parents to mentor and involve
birth families. They include a range of activities from helping families understand
a child's needs, to men-toring families, involving families in education, and
transporting children to family visits.
On Monday 3/31 at 1:30 pm, or Wednesday, 4/2 at 8:00 am, this bill is eligible
for possible Executive Session before the House Children & Family Services
Committee. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.
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.
-- Washington State Association of CASA/Gal (Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian
Ad Litem) Programs. The Governor's budget would eliminate all funding for the
Washington State CASA Program. The State CASA program works in conjunction with
the thirty local CASA programs in Washington State which help children under
the age of 12, who are in the legal system because of abuse or neglect. CASA
provides a trained advocate to represent the best interest of that child. The
State CASA Program helps raise public and private funds for the local programs,
and it also encourages volunteer members to become advocates for children's
issues, through their "Legislative Partner's" Program.
-- The Senate Supplemental Budget - SSB 5403 - cuts adoption support by $1.5million.
This reduction will have a chilling effect on efforts to increase the adoption
of children out of the foster care system. The House Supplemental Budget does
NOT contain this cut.
-- The Governor's budget would eliminate WCPCAN - Washington Council for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. This is a 20-year old state agency focused
exclusively on child abuse prevention. Since 1982, WCPCAN has invested in 166
child abuse prevention programs. Over 40% of its budget is leveraged from federal
funds. It is estimated that for every state dollar invested in WCPCAN, approximately
two dollars were leveraged from federal and local sources for a total of over
$2.2 million.
Supporters argue that prevention is inexpensive and cost effective. E.g., It
can cost as much as $75,000 per year to provide medical care to one victim of
Shaken Baby Syndrome, but Shaken Baby Syndrome is 100 percent preventable.
CIVIL
RIGHTS/OPPORTUNITIES
HB 1079 - TO EXPAND THE DEFINITION OF RESIDENT STUDENT FOR PURPOSES OF HIGHER
EDUCATION.
This bill provides that any student who has completed 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.
An amendment added to the bill initially had supporters concerned, but they
are once again supporting passage of the bill.
Amendments adopted in the Senate Committee require that after graduating from
high school, the person must live in the state continuously until being admitted
to a higher education institution, and must provide an affidavit indicating
that s/he will file an application for permanent residency as soon as eligible
to do so. The affidavit must also indicate a willingness to engage in the activities
necessary to become a citizen of the United States, including citizenship review
courses.
In Week Eleven, this bill was passed out of the Senate Higher Education Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
HB 1090 -TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS Task Force
This bill would extend the life of the Washington state task force against the
trafficking of persons, created by legislation in 2002.
This bill was originally referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary,
which referred it on; it is now in the Senate Cttee on Children & Family
Services & Corrections.
SHB 1128/ SSB 5193 - RELATING TO PROPERTY INSURANCE FOR VICTIMS OF MALCIOUS
HARASSMENT.
This bill relates to those having trouble with insurance coverage because of
claims related to malicious harassment. It seeks to protect organizations and
individuals who have been victims of a hate crime from further discrimination.
Included are religious, educational and other nonprofits.
The House bill is now before the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled
for Floor Action.
In Week Eleven the Senate bill got a Public Hearing before the House Committee
on Financial Institutions & Insurance. Eligible for Executive Session.
SHB 1175 - PROHIBITING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
This bill establishes penalties for trafficking in persons, and defines the
crime of sex trafficking. Penalties relate to the age of the victim, the nature
of the acts the individual is forced to perform, and whether there was financial
profit involved.
This bill was originally referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary,
which has referred it on; it is now in the Senate Cttee on Children & Family
Services & Corrections.
HB 1809 - EXPANDING THE JURISDICTION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
This bill would include sexual orientation in prohibited discriminatory acts.
Thus, the right to be free from all forms of discrimination would apply not
only to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, and disability, but also to
sexual orientation.
This bill is now in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
ESSB 5631 - MAKING IT A CRIME TO TRAFFIC IN PERSONS
Although not a "companion bill" to HB 1175, the bills deal with similar
content: penalties for committing the "crime of trafficking" in its
many forms and degrees.
This bill passed the Senate by a vote of 48-0.
In Week Ten, it got a Public Hearing before the House Committee on Criminal
Justice and Corrections. Eligible for Executive Session.
DISABILITIES
HB 1623/ SB 5566 - RELATING TO THE PRIORITIZATION OF SERVICES TO PERSONS WITH
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.
This bill set off alarm bells within the DD community. It proposed major policy
changes to the DD statute, including: eligibility based on IQ; assessments based
on health and safety needs; priority populations; and the elimination of language
to keep any savings within DDD. There was no reference to "grandfathering"
current clients, and confusion as to who the changes would affect -- both current
and future clients, or just future clients. Disability advocates feared it would
shift from a "no wrong door policy," under which efforts would be
made to link clients with the appropriate services, to a "no right door
policy," under which the chief effort would be to avoid departmental responsibility
and expect more from families.
In response to family-members' and others' concerns, the original bill died.
Then a revised version - SB 5873 - appeared promising, but that has also died.
Now HB 1623 may be back: in a new form. Or, everything may come to a halt for
this year. Stay tuned.
HB 1655 - CONCERNING DETERMINATION OF DISABILITY FOR SPECIAL PARKING PRIVILEGES
This bill would permit advanced registered nurse practitioners to grant special
parking privileges to persons with a disability that limits or impairs the ability
to walk. Current law only allows this determination by a licensed physician.
The House bill passed the House, 94-0.
In Week Eleven, it got a Public Hearing before the Senate Health & Long-Term
Care Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.
SHB 1694/ SSB 5563 - INSPECTION OF BOARDING HOMES EVERY 18 MONTHS
This bill would require the Department of Social and Health Services to inspect
and investigate boarding homes at least every 18 months, rather than the current
requirement of yearly inspections.
In Week Eleven, the Senate bill got a Public Hearing before the House Health
Care Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.
On Tuesday, 4/1 at 1:30 pm, the House bill will get a Public Hearing in the
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg
Building.
SSB 5473 - REQUIRING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRAINING COMMISSION TO TRAIN OFFICERS
ON INTERACTION WITH DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED AND MENTALLY ILL PERSONS
The proposed training would include learning to identify mental illness and
disability, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques for potentially
dangerous situations involving mentally ill and developmentally disabled persons,
and alternatives to lethal force when interacting with potentially dangerous
mentally ill and developmentally disabled persons.
In Week Eleven, this bill got a Public Hearing before the House Criminal Justice
& Corrections Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.
SB 5578 - BED HOLDING FOR BOARDING HOME RESIDENTS
This bill covers arrangements when a boarding home contracts with the state
to provide adult residential care services, enhanced adult residential care
services, or assisted living services. In cases where a resident needs short-term
care in a nursing home or hospital, the boarding home must hold a medicaid eligible
resident's room or unit when the resident is likely to return to the boarding
home.
On Monday, 3/31 at 6:00 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House
Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room B, O'Brien Building. Also on TVW.
HB 1787/ SB 5692 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES INFORMATION REFERRAL
This bill would create a single, user-friendly telephone number, 211, for public
access to information and referral for health and human services, and also for
disaster-related information.
On Monday, 3/31 at 1:30 pm, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing in the
House Children & Family Services Committee.
The House bill is now in the Senate Children & Family Services & Corrections
Cttee.
SHB 1813 - EXPANDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
This bill would encourage state agencies and departments to purchase products
and/or services manufactured or provided by community rehabilitation programs
and businesses owned and operated by persons with disabilities. Creates incentives
for increased wages,
supported employment and career advancement.
This bill is now before the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled
for Floor Action.
SB 5797, REQUIRING DSHS TO INSPECT BOARDING HOMES (in this case, adult family
homes) EVERY 24 MONTHS.
These facilities are a little different than those at issue in SB 5563, and
now the inspection schedule would be different.
On Monday, 3/31 at 6:00 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House
Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room B, O'Brien Building.
SB 5971 - RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL HABILITATION CENTERS
This bill directs the consolidation of residential habilitation centers (RHCs)
through the closure of Fircrest, offering residents the choice of another institution
or community alternative. Net proceeds from the sale of Fircrest property are
directed to be placed in the
Fircrest legacy trust account for the sole use of services to persons with developmental
disabilities and their families. (Also noted in Part I, and below under "issues.")
Three amendments were adopted; they concern: retraining for employees, classifying
Fircrest employees as dislocated workers (to qualify them for special unemployment
assistance), and ensuring that Fircrest residents who have to move will get
"comparable or better" services at their new RHC.
This bill passed the Senate, by a vote of 37-12. It is very controversial. In
Week Eleven an alternative proposal was raised, to instead close the Ranier
RHC in Buckley, rather than Fircrest. This is very much an open question.
This bill is now in the House Appropriations Committee.
Issues:
** The future of Residential Habilitation Centers (RHC's). The Joint Legislative
Audit & Review Committee (JLARC) did a study of the value of RHC lands.
It found that property could be sold or used in alternative ways to raise revenue.
Meanwhile, others wish to see services at RHC's expanded - e.g., more respite
and related resources. This issue was taken up in a packed, emotional hearing
in Week Eight. It got a Joint (Three House Committees) Committee Work Session
in Week Eleven.
** Legislation was being drafted for changes in the Developmental Disabilities
statute. It was believed to include major changes in legislative intent, eligibility
for services, a new prioritization of who gets services, and a level of care
based on some new bottom-line concept of "health and safety." This
now appears to be "on hold." Disability advocates are watching closely.
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 no vendor rate or home care worker pay
increase.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman was eliminated in the Governor's original budget
proposal. It is now believed that this provision was dropped when it was learned
that "elimination" would jeopardize $19 million in federal Older Americans
Act (OAA) funding. However, he is still calling for a $1.2 million reduction
in state funding. The Senate proposed supplemental budget, which accelerates
many of the Governor's proposed cuts, did not include this reduction, and negotiations
are underway to restore it.
Also eliminated would be:
- the funds to administer of the Development Disabilities Endowment, as well
as
- optional Health Care for Workers with Disability (the Medicaid buy-in portion
of "Ticket to Work").
At risk:
Approximately 1,300 high school transition students graduating in the next two
years will have no employment support unless funding is provided for their employment
services.
Nearly 7,000 families caring for their children at home are waiting for Family
Support -- the door to this program is closed unless additional funding is provided.
HEALTH CARE
HB 1002 - REDUCING THE RELEASE OF MERCURY INTO THE ENVIRONMENT.
This bill intends to reduce the amount of mercury pollution by banning the sale,
mis-handling, and distribution of products that contain mercury, such as thermometers,
fluorescent lamps, auto switches, and mercury-added novelties, including light-up-sneakers.
It also provides for education about mercury, and provides for the safe handling
and disposal of items containing mercury.
This bill is now in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Energy &
Water.
ESHB 1178 - PROVIDING FOR MEDICALLY ACCURATE SEX EDUCATION.
This bill would require medically accurate information in sex education courses,
to protect the health and safety of young people. Included would be factually
accurate and objective information about sexuality, pregnancy, and sexually
transmitted diseases, to help delay the onset of sexual activity, reduce frequency
of sex, and reduce the number of sexual partners.
During Executive Session the House Bill was amended. The substitute bill requires
that specific topics, instead of entire sexuality education courses, be taught
with medically accurate information, and that statistics regarding the success
and failure rates of contraceptives be medically accurate. The substitute bill
also declares that school districts still have the authority to select their
curriculum.
This bill is now in the Senate Education Committee.
E2SHB 1214 - TO CREATE A PRESCRIPTION DRUG EDUCATION AND UTILIZATION PROGRAM.
The House bill passed the full House by a 64-33 vote. See description under
this entry in Aging/Long-Term Care.
In Week Ten, it got a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Health &
Long-Term Care. Eligible for Executive Session.
SHB 1275 - TRANSFERRING THE HUMAN IMMUNO-DEFICIENCY VIRUS INSURANCE PROGRAM
TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
This bill reflects the Governor's proposed transfer of administrative authority
over the Evergreen Health Insurance Program (EHIP) from the Department of Social
and Health Services to the Department of Health. EHIP provides insurance continuation
coverage to more than 700 clients statewide. The move is supported by HIV/AIDS
advocates.
The bill is now in the Senate Rules Cttee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor
Action.
SHB 1299 - STATE PURCHASED HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS
This bill would direct the Health Care Authority to coordinate state agency
efforts to develop and implement uniform policies across state- purchased health
care programs. Under this bill policies would be based upon the best available
scientific and medical evidence.
This bill is now in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.
SHB 1532 - PROHIBITING SMOKING IN PUBLICLY OWNED RESIDENCE HALLS AT INSTITUTIONS
OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
This bill is now in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.
HB 1621 - RELATING TO MODIFICATION OF THE MANDATORY NURSE REVIEW OF MEDICAID
PERSONAL CARE PLANS
This bill provides that clients be assessed as having a medical condition requiring
assistance with personal care tasks. Plans of care for clients requiring health-related
consultation for assessment and service planning may be reviewed by a nurse.
This bill is now in the Senate Committee on Health and Long-Term Care.
SSB 5521 - ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE
Early versions of this bill described it as authorizing "bare bones"
coverage for small employers. The much-amended Senate bill would change what
employers with fewer than 50 employees must provide in a minimum health insurance
policy. (They represent approximately 70% of the state's employers.) The bill
might result in increased premiums for people over 40, weakened community ratings,
and a narrowing of provider law. Advocates for people needing chemical dependency
treatment or mental health services are particularly concerned. It is being
watched closely.
On Tuesday, April 1 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing before the
House Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room B. O'Brien Building. Also on
TVW.
2SHB 1913 - GRANTING AUTHORITY TO DEPT of COMMUNITY TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TO ADDRESS CONCERNS WITH LEAD-BASED PAINT
While not a "companion" bill to SB 5586, this bill stems from the
same concerns about the health and safety of low-income people living in old
buildings that contain lead-based paint. The bill establishes a Lead-Based Paint
Training and Certification Program in Washington, paid for with Federal funds
available for this purpose. There is a null and void clause if Federal funds
are not available. Amendments clarify funding for the training, and give the
state authority to inspect lead-based paint abatement done with HUD grants.
This bill is now in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Energy &
Water.
ESSB 5586 - GRANTING AUTHORITY TO ADDRESS CONCERNS WITH LEAD-BASED PAINT
This bill focuses on the hazards associated with lead-based paint and it presence
as a significant and preventable environmental health problem. Census data show
that 1.5 million Washington homes may have lead-based paint because they were
built prior to 1978 when the sale of residential lead-based paint was banned.
The bill would establish a lead-based paint activities program within the Department
of Ecology to protect the public from exposure to lead hazards and to ensure
the availability of a trained and qualified work force to identify and address
lead-based paint hazards. It would also bring the state more in line with federal
protections.
On Tuesday, 4/1 at 1:30 pm, this bill is scheduled for Possible Executive Session
in the House Cttee on Fisheries, Ecology & Parks. House Hearing Room A,
O'Brien Building.
SB 5807 - REVISING THE BASIC HEALTH PLAN.
This bill would make it more difficult to qualify for the Basic Health Plan,
and reduce health services benefits to those who do qualify. Anyone eligible
for Medicaid would be ineligible for the BHP, as will people with assets over
$7,500 (excluding a house, and a car worth less than $5,000). BHP benefits would
only be available for five years - irrespective of participants' health status.
Opponents refer to this bill as the "TANF-izing of the BHP" - a reference
to the fact that it would make this program for low-earning workers mirror many
of the rules now applying to TANF - the temporary assistance welfare program
for families with children. These changes would result in 4,000 people losing
eligibility now, more later.
On Tuesday, 4/1 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House
Committee on Health Care. House Hearing Room B, O'Brien Building. Also on TVW.
HB 2070/ SB 5920 - FUNDING LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
This bill would send a referendum to the people for a vote on the November ballot,
to create a public health trust fund through an increase in the property tax
levy (initially 25 cents per $1,000, but a compromise at a lower figure is expected).
The revenues raised would be used to fund local public health services (which
were severely affected by the passage of I-695.) This bill is getting serious
attention in part because public health departments may play a critical role
in Homeland Security efforts. It is estimated that this would generate enough
to assure current levels of funding and accommodate some increases - particularly
in counties with growing populations. However as originally written, it would
also lower the lid for education funding, which has drawn opposition, and would
make the state budget less flexible (by dedicating these funds to a specific
purpose) in a changing economy. Compro-mises under discussion would make it
acceptable to education supporters, while still useful to public health supporters.
This appears likely to change on short notice; action is expected first in the
Senate. These bills are considered necessary to implement the budget.
The House Bill is in the House Finance Committee.
The Senate Bill is in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.
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 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.
Eliminating the Medically Indigent program also would reduce funds to hospitals
providing a "disproportionate share" of indigent care by $108 million.
-- cut funding for nursing homes by $34.6 million in state funds ($69.6 million
when matching funds are included).
Overall, health care is particularly hard-hit in the Governor's budget. When
reductions in both the General Fund Budget and the Health Services Account are
included, the total reduction in health funding is approximately $1 billion.
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
SB 5034 - PROVIDING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS RETIRED
BECAUSE OF PHYSICAL DISABILITY. The title of this bill tells the content. Several
bills were introduced on the same subject; this one survived.
In Week Eleven, this bill got a Public Hearing before the House. Finance Committee.
Eligible for Executive Session.
SSB 5225 - PROVIDING RENTAL ASSISTANCE VOUCHERS
This bill would deal with housing affordability by allocating funding from a
ten dollar fee on recorded documents, and using the funds to provide low-income
persons with rent vouchers to pay for permanent multifamily and single-family,
private, for-profit, market rate rental housing. Vouchers would be available
for payment of first and last month's rent and security and other deposits required
by a landlord, payable directly to the landlord, for very low-income persons
with incomes at or below fifty percent of the area median income.
This bill is now in the House Committee on Local Government.
Budget Items:
The Governor's Proposed Budget under-funds the Housing Trust Fund by $15 million
- cutting allocations for persons with develop-mental disabilities, self-help
housing, shelters and transitional housing for victims of domestic violence,
and weatherization programs.
Because the HTF is part of the Capital Budget, not the General Fund Budget,
advocates have continued to pursue a long-term goal of increasing the HTF to
$100 million for the 2003-05 Biennium, through long-term bonds or loans. (Favorable
interest rates allow for expansion of the state's Capital Budget.) The state
continues to receive many more applications for viable projects than it can
fund at the current level. A state investment of $100 million in low-income
housing would leverage an additional economic stimulus investment of $475 million
from the private and public sector.
For affordable housing and shelter projects, CTED would establish a "…loan
origination fee, and a monitoring and inspection fee," to generate $1.2
million.
It does not cut Shelter programs or LIHEAP (Low Income Heat & Energy Assis.
Program).
HUNGER AND NUTRITION
The hunger/nutrition-related bills being tracked have all died.
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.
* EFAP - the EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - would not be cut in the Governor's
proposed Budget.
JUVENILES/YOUTH
Work Session
On Thursday, 4/3 at 10:00 am, the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee
will conduct a Work Session on the Becca Laws. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien
Building. Also on TVW.
SHB 1009 - VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES
This bill would make it a misdemeanor to sell, rent, or permit to be sold or
rented, any M-rated violent video or computer game to any minor. The bill was
amended before being voted out of the Juvenile Justice Committee, e.g., to reduce
the penalties involved.
On Tuesday 4/1 at 8:00 am, there will be a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee
on Children & Family Services & Corrections. Senate Hearing Room 4,
Cherberg Building.
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."
On Wednesday, 4/2 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate
Children & Family Services & Corrections Cttee. Senate Hearing Room
4, Cherberg bldg.
SHB 1028 - 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.
This bill is now in the Senate Children & Family Services & Corrections
Committee.
HB 1612 - NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR
MINORS.
This bill requires evaluation and treatment facilities to provide written and
verbal notice of all statutorily available treatment options to parents/guardians
of a minor child when the parent/guardian seeks to have the minor child treated
at an evaluation and treatment facility.
On Tuesday 4/1, Wednesday 4/2, or Friday 4/4 - all at 8:00 am, this bill is
eligible for possible Executive Session in the Senate Committee on Children
& Family Services & Corrections. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.
HB 1782 - CREATING A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM FOR NONPROFIT YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS
This bill would establish a competitive process to solicit proposals for projects
to assist nonprofit youth organizations in acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating
facilities used for the delivery of nonresidential services. Does not include
outdoor athletic fields.
This bill is now in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
SHB 1820 - CHANGING PROVISIONS CONCERNING YOUTH SHELTER NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS
ABOUT RUNAWAY YOUTH.
This bill provides that a professional employed by a licensed overnight youth
shelter or similar organization, shall report the location of the child to the
parent, the law enforcement agency of the jurisdiction in which the person lives,
or DSHS within seventy-two hours after having knowledge that the minor is away
from a lawfully prescribed residence or home without parental permission. The
report may be made by telephone or any other reasonable means. This change has
been long desired by youth shelter providers.
The bill was amended to change the required reporting. There will be a first
report at 24 hours, informing DSHS that the youth is safe; twenty-four hours
later DSHS will inform parents - providing time to gain the youth's trust and
better assess the youth's needs.
This bill is now in the Senate Children & Family Services & Corrections
Committee.
SHB 1824 - DEVELOPING CRITERIA TO ENSURE QUALITY CONTROL IN RESEARCH BASED
TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR JUVENILES.
This bill states that research-based treatment programs, used within the juvenile
justice system, reduce recidivism rates only if such programs are delivered
competently. Further, the bill directs the Washington State Institute for Public
Policy to develop general criteria designed to ensure adherence to proven practices
in research-based treatment program. The criteria shall include measures for
ongoing and accurate monitoring and tracking of competent treatment delivery
and from continual improvement of treatment delivery.
This bill is now in the Senate Children & Family Services & Corrections
Committee.
SB 5903 - PROVIDING ADDITIONAL SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS
This bill would directs the Washington state Institute for Public Policy to
develop standards for measuring effectiveness of treatment programs under the
"mental health disposition" alternative, by January, 2004. The standards
shall include, but not be limited to, continued use of alcohol or controlled
substances, arrests, violations of terms of community supervision, and convictions
for subsequent offenses. These standards would then be used by the courts in
determining the continued use of this alternative and the success of treatment
providers and programs.
This bill is now in the House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Law.
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 - 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."
On Wednesday, 4/2 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate
Children & Family Services & Corrections Cttee. Senate Hearing Room
4, Cherberg bldg.
SHB 1041/ ESB5223 - AUTHORIZING MENTAL HEALTH ADVANCE DIRECTIVES.
This bill affirms that a validly executed mental health directive is to be respected
by all parties involved with a person's care. The legislature also declares
that a person with the capacity is able to control the decisions relating to
mental health care. By stating their instructions for the type of care they
wish, should they become incapacitated by their mental illness, an individual
can make sure their preference for treatment will be carried out.
The Engrossed Substitute Senate bill contains new language that clarifies interaction
between directives and court orders, and other changes.
The Substitute House bill clarifies the language and makes other changes (e.g.,
a person who consented to inpatient treatment may not be restrained if that
person requests discharge).
In Week Eleven, the House bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee
on Children & Family Services & Corrections. Eligible for Executive
Session.
In Week Eleven, the Senate bill got a Public Hearing before the House Judiciary
Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.
HB 1214 - TO CREATE A PRESCRIPTION DRUG EDUCATION AND UTILIZATION PROGRAM.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 64-33. (See description under this entry
in Aging/Long-Term Care.)
In Week Ten, it got a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Health &
Long-Term Care. Eligible for Executive Session.
HB 1612 - NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR
MINORS.
This bill requires evaluation and treatment facilities to provide written and
verbal notice of all statutorily available treatment options to parents/guardians
of a minor child when the parent/guardian seeks to have the minor child treated
at an evaluation and treatment facility.
On Tuesday 4/1, Wednesday 4/2, or Friday 4/4 - all at 8:00 am, this bill is
eligible for possible Executive Session in the Senate Committee on Children
& Family Services & Corrections. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.
SHB 1785 - LIMITING THE DISCLOSURE OF CLIENT INFORMATION
This bill hopes to address issues of confidentiality regarding the disclosure
of client information by mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists,
and social workers. Any of the aforementioned professionals would not disclose
the written acknowledgement of the disclosure statement; nor any information
acquired from persons consulting the individual in a professional capacity.
In Week Eleven, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Health
and Long-Term Care. Eligible for Executive Session.
SSB 5521 - ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE
Early versions of this bill described it as authorizing "bare bones"
coverage for small employers. The much-amended Senate bill would change what
employers with fewer than 50 employees must provide in a minimum health insurance
policy. (They represent approximately 70% of the state's employers.) Advocates
for people needing chemical dependency treatment or mental health services are
concerned about this bill and watching it closely.
On Tuesday, 4/1 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing before the House
Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room B, O'Brien Building. Also possible
Executive Session in Week Twelve.
SHB 1931 - REGARDING THE TRAINING OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
Although similar to SSB 5473, this is not a companion bill. The bill deals with
the training of law enforcement officers who deal with the Developmentally Disabled
and the mentally ill.
In Week Eleven, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Eligible for Executive Session in Week Twelve.
SSB 5473 - REQUIRING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRAINING COMMISSION TO TRAIN OFFICERS
ON INTERACTION WITH DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED AND MENTALLY ILL PERSONS
The proposed training would include learning to identify mental illness and
disability, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques for potentially
dangerous situations invol-ving mentally ill and developmentally disabled persons,
and alternatives to lethal force when interacting with potentially dangerous
mentally ill and developmentally disabled persons.
The proposed Substitute bill will add "self" and family advocate groups
to the list of agencies to be included in the development of training.
In Week Eleven, this bill got a Public Hearing in the House Criminal Justice
& Corrections Cttee. Eligible for possible Executive Session.
Budget Items
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
-- the Mentally Ill Offender Program serving about 25 individuals released from
Corrections and transitioning into communities is eliminated.
-- With all of the attention being paid to the budget tightening activities
involving the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), it is important
to note that 4,116 clients (12%) come under the care of DDD, and receive help
from the Mental Health Division of DSHS.
The DDD does not have the money in their current budget to adequately cover
the treatment needed by their mentally ill clients.
REVENUES
Interest is growing in finding some acceptable forms of revenue to ease the
impact of severe budget cuts. A number of new bills identify a specific source
of funding, in some cases with the revenues to be dedicated to a particular
purpose. Other bills attempt to identify out-moded tax exemptions.
Representative Bill Fromhold, from Southwestern Washington, has "respectfully
disagreed" with the Governor's all-cuts/no revenues approach to the deficit.
He has proposed a temporary increase in the sales tax by one-half of one percent,
to be automatically repealed in two-four years. It would raise roughly half
the amount needed to close the deficit gap, and thus spare some of the pain
associated with massive budget cuts. Reasoning that raising Business & Occupation
or property taxes would be more detrimental to the economy, he called this approach
"the least of evils." It would be pursued as part of an overall budget
plan, not as a separate bill. By being time limited, it would also keep on the
pressure to take up long-term structural changes in the tax system.
Another proposal under discussion would impose a ten-cent-a-can increase on
the sale of sodas. That is estimated to generate about $650 million over the
biennial budget. This could either stand alone, or be combined with other revenue
options. This might either stand alone, or be bundled together in a "package"
with a variety of "sin taxes" and other tax increases on non-essentials.
Increased gambling is also being considered, but the proposals being discussed
would only bring in a few hundred million dollars. (It says something about
the size of the deficit that one can use a word like "only" to describe
a few hundred million.)
Still others are considering ways to broaden the tax base by extending the
sales tax to certain business, professional, and consumer services. When our
tax system was developed, Washington's economy relied heavily on natural resources
(fishing, forests, farming), and the tax structure reflects that. Now, however,
our economy relies more on technology, and a vast array of business, professional,
and consumer services. If the base of those to be taxed were broadened to include
all services, some estimates show that the deficit could be filled AND the sales
tax reduced at the same time.
NOTE: Bills in this category will continue to be carried in POLICY WATCH,
because any of them might be deemed "…necessary to implement the budget,"
and thus potentially "alive" until April 18.
SHB 1281/ SSB 5364 - PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
This bill would promote economic development through "Tax Increment Financing.
It would allow local governments to finance public improvements using increased
property tax revenues, plus "excess" excise tax revenues, and revenue
generated through a sales- and-use tax. Up to $1 million per year, per project,
could be credited against the state sales and use tax in an increment area.
The bill is controversial.
Opponents believe it will allow cities to divert future tax revenues intended
for local general funds, and use them to offset the costs of large private developments.
This would subsidize private developers while depleting funds needed for housing
and human services, and be particularly harmful to low-income residents. Amendments
added in Committee include some limited safeguards, but advocates for low-income
people remain concerned.
The House bill is in the House Rules Committee, to be scheduled for Floor Action.
The Senate bill is now in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
HB 1401/ SB 5186 - TO MAKE STATE LAW CONFORM TO CHANGES IN FEDERAL ESTATE TAX
.
This bill would eliminate one of the few remaining progressive elements in the
Washington State tax structure, despite a recent national study showing our
state structure is already the most regressive in the nation. The bill would
cost the state $25.3 million in lost revenue in 2003, $51.8 million in 2004,
more in subsequent years. Current law includes exemptions for small business
and family farms.
The House bill is in the House Finance Committee.
The Senate bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
HB 1737 - RELATING TO REPEALING OUTDATED AND UNUSED TAX PREFERENCES.
This bill would review and eliminate tax exemptions, deductions, credits and
other preferences that have outlived their usefulness, and/or stand unclaimed
in recent years. The intent of the bill is to update and simplify the tax statutes.
This bill is now in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
HB 1756/SB 5659 - AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
This bill is an attempt to respond to the funding challenges facing local governments,
primarily in the areas of criminal justice and public health. It would allow
local governments to raise revenues (chiefly property and/or sales taxes, but
not utility taxes) to better protect the health and safety of their residents.
The bill does not include King County.
The House bill is in the House Rules Committee, to be scheduled for Floor Action.
The Senate bill appears DEAD.
SHB 1869 - REQUIRING PERFORMANCE AUDITS FOR TAX PREFERENCES
This bill recognizes that tax preferences are enacted to meet certain objectives,
believed to be in the public interest, but not all tax preferences achieve those
objectives. It sets up a citizen commission (including some legislators) to
review all tax preferences over a 10-year cycle. There are currently over 430
tax preferences, which cost the treasury $46 billion during the biennium. Many
have been on the books for years, without any review for outcomes or effectiveness.
Given the changing nature of the economy and tax structures of other states,
periodic performance audits of tax preferences are needed to determine if they
continue to serve the public interest. (This bill is similar to one of the recommendations
contained in the Washington State Tax Study Commission, reported to the legislature
last December.)
This bill is now in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.
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 is before 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.
This bill is in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.
SB 5700 - CREATING THE TAX-ME-MORE ACCOUNT
This bill purports to acknowledge individuals who "believe they are undertaxed
and that advocate a greater tax burden for Washingtonians…." by creating
a "tax-me-more account" to which any person may contribute any amount
of money. It appears to mock those trying to find more humane approaches to
the deficit than the elimination of basic life supports to very fragile people.
This bill remains in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
SB 5902 - PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS AND HIGHER
EDUCATION.
This bill would impose a two percent tax on Adjusted Gross Income (calculated
for federal tax purposes, and with various exemptions, deductions and income
limits), and dedicate the revenues produced for k-12 and higher education.
This bill is in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.
HB 2070/ SB 5920 - FUNDING LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
This bill would send a referendum to the people for a vote on the November ballot,
to create a public health trust fund through an increase in the property tax
levy (initially 25 cents per $1,000, but a compromise at a lower figure is expected).
The revenues raised would be used to fund local public health services (which
were severely affected by the passage of I-695.) This bill is getting serious
attention in part because public health departments are being asked to play
a critical role in Homeland Security efforts. It is estimated that this would
generate enough to assure current levels of funding and accommodate some increases
- particularly in counties with growing populations. However at some levels
it would also lower the lid for education funding, which has drawn opposition,
and would make the state budget less flexible (by dedicating these funds to
a specific purpose) in a changing economy. The compromises under discussion
would make it acceptable to education supporters, while still useful to public
health supporters. Interested parties should watch this closely; it appears
likely to change on short notice. Action is expected first in the Senate. These
bills are considered "…necessary to the budget," and thus exempt
from most cutoff dates.
The House Bill is in the House Finance Committee.
The Senate Bill is in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.
SHB 2098/ SB 6006 - PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO COUNTIES
It is the intent of this bill to give local communities more "tools"
for raising revenues and determining their own desired level of public services,
based on local economic conditions and differing public safety, human service,
or economic development priorities. In cases where economic changes have left
communities unable to fund minimum required services, direct financial assistance
may be provided to ensure basic governmental services. As might be expected
from the title, this bill is of special importance to county governments struggling
to maintain basic services for their residents.
The Senate bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
The House bill is before the House Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled
for Floor Action.
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.
This bill is in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.
SJR 8204 - PROPOSES A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE FOR A REVENUE STABILIZATION
FUND.
This appears similar to a proposal in the Gates Commission Tax Study Report
that the state should have a constitutionally protected "rainy day"
fund to help protect against fluctuations in the economy. Under the bill the
secretary of state would submit this idea to the voters for approval and ratification,
or rejection - at the next General Election.
This bill is on the Senate Floor.
NOTE: These are only a few of the bills introduced this year that would affect
taxes. Despite a $2.6 billion deficit, numerous bills have also been introduced
which would reduce taxes, create new exemptions or credits, and add to the deficit.
Washington tax law already includes more than 430 state and local tax exemptions,
which add up to a loss of more than $46 billion of tax revenue every two years.
(Tax exemptions are sometimes referred to as "tax expenditures" to
make clear that every tax break costs the treasury just as any program expenditure
does.) Several pages of bills proposing tax changes are listed in the "Topical
Index" under BILL INFO (at www.leg.wa.gov).
RULEMAKING
Several Bills propose changes to Washington State's Administrative Procedures
Act (APA). These changes would affect the process by which citizens may participate
in rule-making.
Changes in Rule-making can affect whether it is difficult (or easy) for an entity
to avoid health, safety, and environmental standards, and whether it is difficult
(or easy) for citizens to have a voice in the process by which Regulations are
finalized. Since Regulations - once final - have the force of law, these bills
deserve monitoring. E.g., HB 1315 would make it difficult for any Washington
state agency to adopt a rule that goes beyond an existing federal standard.
Among bills for Changes in Rule-Making are: SHB 1310 (now in House Appro-priations),
HB 1312, HB 1313, HB 1314/ SB 5052, HB 1315/ SB 5053 (passed the Senate 25-24;
it is now in the House Committee on State Government). HB 1531 (to require a
governor's signature on significant rules, passed the House; it is now in the
Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections).
Some Rulemaking bills have already passed in the Senate. E.g., SB 5052 would
delay the implementation of significant agency rules, SB 5053 provides that
no agency may adopt a rule that exceeds a federal standard without specific
legislative authority, SB 5255 would limit agency rule-making authority without
legislative approval, SB 5256 would require cost-benefit analyses of rules,
SB 5257 would require Governor approval of rules. All of the Senate-passed bills
have been sent to the House Committee on State Government. SB 5256 and SB 5257
got a Public Hearing before that Committee in Week Ten, making them eligible
for Executive Session.
SEXUAL ABUSE/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
ESHB 1054 - TO MAKE MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY MANDATORY REPORTERS OF ABUSE
This bill would add clergy to the list of professionals (now including counselors,
nurses, teachers and others) who are mandated to make a report to the state
when there is evidence of child abuse or neglect.
Among those testifying in support of the bill was the Washington Association
of Churches, whose member denominations include a broad range of Christian protestant
traditions. They asked for a bill that provides clear guidance as to what circumstances
they would be expected to report, affects clergy in situations where they are
engaged in a counseling/advising role outside of formal confession, and does
not oblige a clergy-person to break a sacred trust that exists during formal
confession. Nonetheless, the bill is controversial.
This bill is now in the Senate Children & Family Services & Corrections
Committee.
HB 1645 - ADDRESSING PROTECTION OF VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT,
OR STALKING IN THE RENTAL OF HOUSING.
This bill attempts to deal with the fact that victims of violence may be forced
to remain in unsafe situations because they are bound by residential lease agreements,
that without access to safe housing they may stay in abusive or dangerous situations,
and that they may face difficulty in finding rental housing because of a past
history as a victim of these crimes. Just because a prospective tenant has been
a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking that should not be
relevant to the decision whether to rent to that prospective tenant.
In Week Eleven, this bill got a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on
Financial Services, Insurance & Housing. Eligible for Executive Session.
SSB 5870 - RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF SEX OFFENDERS AND KIDNAPPING OFFENDERS
This bill would revise requirements for registration by sex offenders.
This bill is now in the House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections.
Budget Items:
-- The Governor's budget would reduce funds for domestic violence victim services
by approximately one-third.
-- Legal Advocacy programs would be reduced by $10,000 and
-- Civil Legal Services would be reduced by $1.7 million; both are important
to victims of violence.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE/TREATMENT
SSB 5355 - VOLUNTARY INTOXICATION SHALL NOT BE DEEMED LESS CRIMINAL.
Under the House bill, voluntary intoxication will not be allowed as a defense
against a criminal charge.
The Senate bill states that no act committed by a person while in the state
of voluntary intoxication will be deemed less criminal by reason of his or her
condition, nor shall a state of voluntary intoxication be taken into consideration
in determining the existence of a mental state which is an element of the offense.
The Senate Substitute bill contains new language that expands the term "voluntary
intoxication" to include not only alcohol, but also voluntary intoxication
due to any drug.
This bill is now in the House Judiciary Committee.
HB 1472/ ESB 5389 - RELATING TO CLEAN AND SOBER HOUSING
This bill concerns the right of landlords to evict tenants living in drug and
alcohol free housing that use, possess, or share alcohol, illegal drugs, controlled
substances, or prescription drugs without a medical prescription.
Amendments to the Senate bill changed the language to include for-profit landlords
as well as the non-profit landlords of clean and sober housing.
In Week Eleven, the House bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee
on Financial Services, Insurance & Housing. Eligible for possible Executive
Session.
The Senate bill is now in the House Judiciary Committee.
HB 1619 - INCREASING PENALTIES FOR DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE WITH CHILDREN
IN THE VEHICLE
This bill would provide that if a person is convicted of driving under the influence
while a passenger under the age of sixteen was in the vehicle, the court would
add 60 days to any mandatory minimum period of confinement, and add 60 days
to any minimum period of electronic home monitoring.
In Week Eleven, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on the
Judiciary. Eligible for possible Executive Session.
SSB 5120 - CHANGING PROVISIONS RELATING TO IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES.
The original bill was not considered. The Substitute bill would require the
Department of Licensing, instead of the courts, impose the requirement that
a person's vehicle be equipped with an Ignition Interlock device in the following
situations: (1) a person's first DUI conviction or an alcohol-related deferred
prosecution with blood alcohol at .15 or above…, or (2) a person's second
or subsequent DUI conviction, and (3) a first DUI conviction with extenuating
circumstances.
On Tuesday, 4/1 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House
Judiciary Committee. House Hearing Room B, O'Brien Building. Also possible Executive
Session.
SSB 5396 - COURT IMPOSED CONDITIONS OF DEFERRED PROSECUTIONS.
This bill hopes to insure continued sobriety and reduce the likelihood of re-offense.
Under it, the Court may order reasonable conditions during the period of a deferred
prosecution, including: attendance at self-help recovery support groups for
alcoholism or drugs, complete abstinence from alcohol and all non-prescribed
mind-altering drugs, and periodic urinalysis or breath analysis. The Substitute
bill added language requiring that individuals also maintain law-abiding behavior.
In Week Eleven, this bill passed out of the House Judiciary Committee. It is
now in the House Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
SSB 5521 - ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE
Early versions of this bill described it as authorizing "bare bones"
coverage for small employers. The much-amended Senate bill would change what
employers with fewer than 50 employees must provide in a minimum health insurance
policy. (They represent approximately 70% of the state's employers.) Advocates
for people needing chemical dependency or mental health services are concerned
about this bill and watching it closely.
On Tuesday, 4/1 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing before the House
Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room B, O'Brien Building. Also possible
Executive Session in Week Twelve. Also on TVW.
SB 5522 - CREATING A PILOT PROJECT TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF PRIVATIZING
LIQUOR RETAILING
This bill would require the closing of 25 of the 157 state stores by 12/31/05.
(This is a substitute for SB 5036.) Public health and prevention advocates testified
against the bill, raising concerns with increases in retail alcohol availability.
This bill is now in the House Commerce & Labor Committee.
Budget item
The Governor's proposed budget did not cut Community Mobilization - for local
substance abuse and violence prevention.
WELFARE
ESHB 1277 - GAINING INDEPENDENCE FOR FAMILIES.
This bill would create a new financial aid supplement for low-income parents
with dependents under age 18, to attend any public or private, two or four-year
institution in Washington state. However, this program's funding would be "…
subject to the availability of receipts of gifts, grants, or endowments from
private sources."
This bill is now in the Senate Rules Cttee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor
Action.
SHB 1624 - MODIFYING THE WASHINGTON TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Community service voice mail provides new and economically efficient ways to
assist low-income persons who are not customers of local exchange telephone
service. This bill would authorize a discount on a community service voice mailbox
that provides recipients with: (1) An individually assigned telephone number;
(2) The ability to record a personal greeting; and (3) A secure private security
code to retrieve messages. This voice mail service may include toll-free lines
in community action agencies through which recipients can access their community
service voice mailboxes at no charge. If this bill does not pass, local telephone
assistance programs will close as of July 1, 2003.
This bill is now in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
HB 1635 - REVISING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR INCOME AND RESOURCES UNDER THE
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
This bill concerns benefits transferred electronically, including those transferred
in error.
This bill is now in the Senate Cttee on Children & Family Services &
Corrections.
HB 1980 - CHANGING WORK ACTIVITY PROVISIONS UNDER TANF
This bill provides for an assessment of needs and employability within the first
four weeks. Based on the assessment, recipients would get an individual responsibility
plan, including employment goals, and a plan for moving immediately into employment.
It would also describe the services available to enable a recipient to get and
keep a job. Highest priority for work activity will go to the most employable
clients, including adults in two-parent families and parents in single-parent
families that include older preschool or school-age children.
This bill is now in the Senate Cttee on Children & Family Services &
Corrections.
HB 2041 - CLARIFYING THE WORK STUDY ASPECT OF "WORK ACTIVITY" UNDER
TANF
Under this bill, "work activity" means employment through the state
or federal work-study program and the accompanying education program - for not
more than twenty-four months. Students who work the maximum state or federal
work-study offered to them by their educational institution while attending
the accompanying education program will be considered full-time WorkFirst participants.
This bill is now in the Senate Cttee on Children & Family Services &
Corrections.
SSB 6017 - MODIFYING GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROVISIONS
This bill would eliminate the state's General Assistance for the Unemployable
(GA-U) program, as recommended in the Governor's version of the budget. GAU
provides minimal financial support to needy adults who are mentally or physically
incapacitated for at least 90 days, but less than 12 months. People who appear
to meet (and apply for) federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability
benefits, including people with AIDS, are considered GA-U/X - this segment would
not be eliminated. Amendments would allow the Department of Social and Health
Services to provide medical benefits to GA-U recipients, and would not require
legal immigrants to apply for naturalization (as originally proposed).
This bill is considered "… necessary to implement the budget."
This bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Children & Family Services
& Corrections Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.
Issue:
-- Concern is high for the fate of the 7,000-9,000 disabled, needy adults will
lose their small, subsistence cash grant if the program of General Assistance
Unemployable (GAU) is eliminated. GAU provides a small cash grant of $339 per
month and medical coverage to mentally or physically disabled persons who are
unemployable for at least 90 days. (To receive the $339 cash grant a medical
professional must provide documentation of a diagnosed medical condition.) More
than half are mentally ill; the remainder have physical disabilities. GAU also
provides benefits to elderly and disabled legal immigrants who are ineligible
for the federal SSI (Supplemental Security Income) program due to their immigrant
status. Ending the cash grant portion of the GAU program will affect emergency
food and shelter programs, as well as the mental health and criminal justice
systems.
Budget Items.
Once again the "Welfare Box" - which is under the Governor's direct
responsibility - faces a short-fall: $35-75 million this time. The short-falls
result from over-estimates of projected federal funds and under-estimates of
need.
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.) To
meet the shortfall, the Governor is implementing $35 million in immediate cuts:
$8 million in child care subsidies, $4 million from the Community Jobs Program,
$1.5 million from support services such as clothing, transportation and other
essentials for those moving from welfare to work. Deeper cuts are expected in
future years.
Services and programs for low-income childless adults are generally hit very
hard in the Governor's budget. Of special note 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.
MISCELLANEOUS
ESHB 1053 - ENHANCING GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
This bill would create a seven-member Citizen Oversight Board (Board), who understand
state government operations and performance audits to oversee management reviews
of state government. The chair of JLARC and the State Auditor would serve as
nonvoting members, and JLARC would staff the Board. The Board would establish
a program for annual assess-ment and performance grading of state agencies,
with input from elected officials, state employees, and professionals in performance
management. A contractor may be selected to conduct the entire assessment, or
different contractors may be selected for each assessment.
This bill is now in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
SHB 1464 - REQUIRING THE DEPT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO WORK WITH COMMUNITY-BASED
AND FAITH BASED SOCIAL SERVICES
This bill would require the secretary of DSHS to designate a person within each
region to serve as a liaison for community-based and faith-based social services
organizations, provide information about opportunities for the organizations
to cooperate with the department in providing community services; identify unmet
needs, and promote involvement of community-based and faith-based social services
organizations - within existing resources. As amended it sets out clear limits
on religious activity using help from this bill.
This bill is now in the Senate Cttee on Children & Family Services &
Corrections
.
HB 1787/ SB 5692 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES INFO/ REFERRAL
This bill would create a single, user-friendly telephone number, 211, for public
access to information and referral for health and human services, and also for
disaster-related information.
The House bill is now in the Senate Children & Family Services & Corrections
Cttee.
On Monday, 3/31 at 1:30 pm, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing in the
House Children & Family Services Committee. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien
Building. TVW.
SB 5909 - ASSESSING THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF STATE GOVERNMENT.
This bill attempts to deal with declining public confidence in government is
essential by establishing a five-citizen "priorities of government oversight
board" to oversee performance audits and priority-based activity assessments
of state government agencies, programs, and activities. Staff assistance would
be provided by the Office of Financial Management. If appropriations are not
approved, "…the act shall be null and void."
On Tuesday, 4/1 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House
State Government Committee. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.
SHB 2098/ SB 6006 - PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO COUNTIES
It is the intent of this bill to give local communities more "tools"
for raising revenues and determining their own desired level of public services,
based on local economic conditions and differing public safety, human service,
or economic development priorities. In cases where economic changes have left
communities unable to fund minimum required services, direct financial assistance
may be provided to ensure basic governmental services. As might be expected
from the title, this bill is of special importance to county governments struggling
to maintain basic services for their residents.
The Senate bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
The House bill is now before the House Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled
for Floor Action. This bill may be deemed necessary to implement the budget.
Budget Item
The Governor's budget proposes to elimination Employment Services for Refugees
- one way recent refugees get the help they need to become self-sufficient as
they work to create new lives for themselves and their families. Services include:
job development, English as a
Second Language classes, and case management services.
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