Welcome to Policy Watch 2004
WEEK 7
POLICY WATCH is a weekly bulletin about issues and events in Olympia, WA during the legislative session. It is part of the CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROJECT, an effort to help increase citizen involvement in the legislative process through information and advocacy training.
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.
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NEXT TWO "CUT-OFF" dates:
1) Monday, MARCH 1, marks the next CUT-OFF -- this time for bills
to get through a Fiscal Committee in the "opposite house." This
means: 2) Friday, MARCH 5, marks the end of Floor Action for bills to
get a Floor vote in the "opposite house." This means: The Session is almost over. If there is a bill or budget item you care about, use the HOT-LINE and leave a message for your legislators: 1-800-562-6000. |
PART III - SOME ISSUES
This section notes upcoming hearings, plus categories of bills, including:
- Aging/Long-Term Care
- Child Care
- Child Welfare
- Civil Rights
- Disabilities
- Health Care
- Housing/Homelessness
- Hunger and Nutrition
- Juveniles/Youth
- Mental Health
- Revenues
- Sexual Abuse/Domestic Violence
- Substance Abuse
- Welfare
- Miscellaneous
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.
Advocacy Days in WEEK EIGHT (3/1-3/7)
None reported to Policy Watch. Note: an afternoon rally scheduled for Wednesday - March 3 by the Tax Fairness Coalition of Washington, has been cancelled. When the timetable for action on the budget moved up to early in Week Seven, this event was moved up to Thursday 2/26, in place of the 3/3 date.
WEEKS SEVEN-EIGHT IN OLYMPIA
Monday, 3/1 is DAY 50 of the 60-day Session.
The sense of growing pressure, running out of time, is strong enough to taste.
Three big items remain: completing work on the bills that are still alive, agreeing on the Supplemental Budget, and figuring out how to conduct a primary now that the Courts have struck down our "blanket" primary. That last item may get settled fastest.
Almost before the ink on the court decision was dry, legislators were seeking an answer to the question of a primary. They don't want to anger the political parties (after all this IS an election year); they don't want to anger the voters (after all this IS an election year); and they definitely don't want to extend the Session beyond March 11 when it is scheduled to end (they cannot solicit campaign contributions till 30 days after the Session ends). Result? It sounds like they will send a couple of options to the voters, and let us chose in November.
Completing work on the surviving bills is also moving apace, and will be largely finished by the end of March 5. Just about anything controversial, complex, or expensive is already dead, and the bills that remain tend to be heavy on "studies," or no-cost directives for "coordination" or "collaboration." Some of that is just the natural outcome of a Session limited to 60 days. As one long-time lobbyist noted "…it is hard to get all the Committee Members up to speed on a bill being heard for the first time ever, in a short session." Another factor common to surviving bills is their relationship to hot-button issues - like domestic violence (an issue that heated up after the David Brame case in Tacoma), or tax breaks for special groups (an issue that heated up after Boeing got its package of $3 billion in new tax breaks over 20 years; soon other businesses were asking for similar treatment).
That leaves the Supplemental Budget. Throughout this week's POLICY WATCH, readers will find references to some specific budget items that appear in the House or Senate Budget, or both. Readers eager to see the full story can go to www.leg.wa.gov - the Legislature's website - where a new item has appeared. In the column on the right, under HIGHLIGHTS, the second item is: "Information on the Supplemental Budgets." Click on that to be linked to a site with all the versions (Governor's, House, and Senate) of all the budgets: the Capitol Budget (for buildings and facilities), the Transportation Budget (roads and transit), and the Operating Budget (that funds the most of state government).
In Praise of Democracy (Olympia style)
But even as the session winds down and the focus turns increasingly to details
of the budget, one can see the wonder of democracy that plays out daily in the
Capitol. Multiple times this week it was on vivid display - despite the fatigue
and stress that hover over everyone in the Capitol these days, like an angry
black cloud. Three examples will illustrate the point.
A small group of Russian women spent the week in Olympia, spending part of their time shadowing legislators and meeting with staff, lobbyists, and citizen activists. They were impressed by how many legislators are women (we have the best record in the nation), and the fact that men and women alike are just legislators part-time (and only paid part-time). They were impressed by the remarkable openness of our Capitol, a place where anyone can be part of the process, and ordinary citizens are treated with respect.
Two groups of high school students were also among this week's visitors to the Capitol. Both groups had been following bills as part of class projects, and this was their chance to put to use what they'd learned -- where the action is, in Olympia. Several legislators gave up their lunch break to meet in small groups with the students from one school, who engaged them in serious discussions about their bills. As one participant noted approvingly about the Senator who met with her small group: "He didn't agree with us… he said we should try again next year and he'll probably vote NO again next year… but we could try and change his mind. Did you get that? He didn't just say what we wanted to hear -- he DISAGREED with us! He took us SERIOUSLY!" Thirty minutes later some of those same legislators took time to answer questions from the second school's students, just before starting a two-hour, agenda-packed Executive Session filled with key votes on surviving bills.
Also among first-time visitors (they joined a few more newcomers, plus some "Olympia regulars") were some Community College students - adults with family responsibilities and jobs, who fit community college classes into already busy lives. Just getting to Olympia involved making a 2-hour drive and re-arranging lives. But Olympia proved worth the effort.
First stop: the Pritchard Building - for coffee and a quick review of the daily schedule. Before they even left the cafeteria, one of their Senators had stopped by their table for a friendly chat and they'd talked with "Bill Room" staff for information to make their visit worthwhile. Next stop: a Committee Executive Session - where they discovered all the publicly-available information setting out the various bills being discussed and voted on. By the time they left the J.L. O'Brien Building, they'd held brief conversations with two Representatives, been invited into the office of a third for a longer discussion of some pending bills, and stopped to leave written messages for those who weren't available.
At one office, the legislator's aide expressed regret that his boss was not
present (there had been a family emergency), but if they could come another
time, he'd get them an appointment. They quickly agreed to come again next week
-- at which point he not only found time on his boss' schedule, he called ahead
to their Senator's office to say that constituents were on their way. By the
time they left the Capitol Campus they'd had a chance to express their view
on several bills and budget items, interact with legislators and staff, and
learn their way around the campus. One of the more experienced people in the
group mentioned that after she'd only been to Olympia a couple of times, she
stopped by her Senator's office - to discover an unfamiliar staff aide. But
when she gave her name, a voice came from the inner-office saying: "Do
whatever she asks… she comes every week."
Between the legislators and the various staff (members' aides, staff for the
Committees, staff who work for the Caucuses, plus all the other exceptionally
helpful staff), most everyone who comes to Olympia goes away impressed. Like
anyone else, people in Olympia can have bad days, and can sometimes seem abrupt
when the pressure gets intense. But week after week they offer powerful evidence
that the democratic process is alive and well; it just remains for us to treat
it with the respect it deserves - by using it.
Tip For This Week
It is worth noting all the many items included in either the House or Senate
Budgets (or both) that serve people who would never be thought of as rich, powerful,
or likely contributors to campaigns. That their items made it into some version
of the budget is a tribute to citizen advocacy and the fact that - despite all
the bad jokes and cynicism - speaking up counts.
Take a look at items in the Supplemental Budget that affect issues important
to you. Then let your Senator and two Representatives know why they are important
to you: a simple, 1 or 2-sentence message will do. (E.g., "I live in your
District and I really care about _______. Please do all you can to protect it
in the budget." Or: "I disagree with funding for __________. Please
do all you can to keep it out of the budget.") The toll-free hotline will
let you send a brief message to all three legislators - plus the Governor -
in one brief call:
1-800-562-6000.
BRIEF SNAPSHOTS FROM WEEK SEVEN
** The legislature may be awash in big, statewide issues - including the state budget - but the old adage remains true: "all politics is local." When asked to name the top three issues being mentioned in calls/letters/visits from District constituents, one aide mentioned three that turned out to be strictly local: a local waste dump, a local speedway, a local business.
** Not everyone likes the Legislature's new web site homepage. Some think it is way too "busy" for people who may be approaching the legislature for the first time, without any prior knowledge of the process. If you have a reaction, let them know. They are interested in feedback - go to www.leg.wa.gov, and click where they invite users to, "contact us."
** One way to get staff and legislators' attention at this busy time of year is with a little "street theater." That's what the Tax Fairness Coalition provided in a skit performed this week at the sundial between the House and Senate office buildings. With some actors portraying the recipients of big tax breaks, and others portraying people likely to lose vital services because there isn't enough money left after big tax breaks are awarded, they found an "unwonky way" to illustrate what "Tax Expenditures" means.
** One Senator responded to a bit of sympathy over some late-night votes this week, by brushing it off: "…that's just the House. They're younger. Over in the Senate we're older - so they don't make us stay up too late to vote."
** Sometimes a bill that appears "dead" suddenly gets a new life (a process occasionally referred to as "jump-starting a corpse"). After watching that happen with a couple of bills in the space of just a few days, one lobbyist remarked that he'd never seen anything quite like the way the process was unfolding this year. Keeps everyone on their toes - and underscores the reason good advocates keep on trying… even when things seem hopeless.
** Students seeking careers in the health professions appear close to an important victory: both the House and Senate Budgets include $2 million for a "loan repayment and scholarship program for health professionals." Check it out.
** Just in case you've been wondering what happened to HB 2566 - to establish a "State Question: Red or White?" and thus "…encourage attention to the wonderful Washington wine industry" - it failed. (Maybe next year.)
The SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET.
Early in Week Seven both the House and Senate offered their competing visions of the Supplemental Budget, and both bodies promptly passed their respective versions after several hours of discussion. The House version - HB 2459 - passed the House (51-45); it was sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee. The Senate version - SB 6187 - passed the Senate (28-21); it was sent directly to the House Rules Committee. (To see both, plus the Governor's, go to www.leg.wa.gov, and click on "Information on the Supplemental Budget.")
Informal talks between key players on the two budget-writing Committees are already underway. They are expected to appoint a formal "Conference" to negotiate a compromise version that can then be voted on by both the House and Senate. But the budget is now the background for all other discussions. If something is funded in both Budgets, it is pretty much guaranteed to be in the final version. If something is not funded in either Legislative Budget, it is unlikely to make it into the final version (however being included in the Governor's Budget keeps the door open). Something in one budget but not the other, has a fighting chance… but only if supporters speak up.
Differences. Just reading the summary statements offers a quick sense of the two chambers' differing approaches, and who each feels most accountable to. For example, the Overview of the Senate Budget has four subheads: Contain Spending; Implement Responsible Fiscal Strategies; Provide Tax Incentives; Maintain an Adequate Surplus. By contrast, the Overview for the House Budget is chiefly taken up with a section on Policy Initiatives that is expanded in four sections: "Investments in Health Care Access and Availability," "Improving Higher Education Quality and Access," "Protecting Vulnerable Adults and Children," and "Providing Employee Health Benefits."
A rough generalization comparing the two would note that the House Budget has a long list of health and human service additions; the Senate Budget has a long list of additional tax breaks. Even an issue that everyone agrees is important - like higher education - gets very different treatment. E.g., the House Budget provides funding to increase enrollment by 3200 students, increase Promise Scholarships, and fund all eligible students requiring a State Need Grant. The Senate Budget provides for no new enrollment, opens competition for Financial Aid to private schools, makes no increase in the Promise Scholarships, and leaves State Need Grants unfunded. However, it does put $160,000 toward the Washington Center Scholarship, which sends students to internships in Washington, DC.
Among the facts influencing the final budget are some milestone events.
In Week Six, the new Revenue Forecasts came in $76 million higher than had been
anticipated last November. That is due partly to reductions in caseload growth
(reported by the Caseload Forecast Council in Week Five) - in some cases because
of employment, but in other cases because needy people have been made ineligible
for help (e.g., the 18,000+ children no longer getting health care).
By March 11, the House and Senate versions must be reconciled, and they must incorporate all of the changes adopted in all of the laws just passed, plus all of the conditions that changed since passage of the state's $22.8 billion biennial operating budget last year
Our state requires that the budget be balanced. If the Governor and/or Legislature propose tax breaks that reduce revenues, they must fill the resulting gaps. If they increase spending in any one category, they must make adjustments in other categories. Because tax breaks "cost" the treasury just as spending decisions do, they are often referred to as "tax expenditures."
The Governor's approach to the Supplemental Budget was presented in early December. It is available on the Office of Financial Management website: www.ofm.wa.gov/; now it is the Legislature's turn. In our system, the Executive proposes, but the Legislature disposes.
AGING/LONG-TERM CARE
EHB 1777 - IMPLEMENTING THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HOME
CARE QUALITY AUTHORITY AND INDIVIDUAL HOME CARE PROVDERS.
Last year the legislature rejected a contract that would have given home care
workers a $2.07/hour raise over two years, plus health and L&I coverage.
In its place they gave home care workers a $.75/hour raise. While the small
raise was welcome, the legislature failed to honor the collectively-bargained
agreement reached between the union and the Home Care Quality Authority, which
had been approved by the voters in Initiative-775.
This year the home care workers are back with a new contract that includes a
$.50/hour increase, health care and L&I coverage. The Governor included
funds for this contract in his proposed budget ($24 million in state funds,
which will be matched by an additional $24 million federal). HB 1777, funds
the new contract. The House passed this bill (57-40), and sent it to the Senate.
It remains in the Senate Ways & Means Committee. As of Week Seven, both
budgets include funding for this; the bill may not be needed.
(See Budget Items below.)
SB 6331 - REVISING THE DEFINITION OF MANDATED REPORTERS IN BOARDING HOMES AND
NURSING HOMES.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2468/ SB 6726- ADULT FAMILY HOME LIABILITY
These bills appear dead.
HB 2517/ SB 6280 - RELATED TO NURSING HOMES
These bills appear to be dead.
HB 2714 - INCREASING SAFETY FOR SENIOR DRIVERS
This bill appears dead.
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF - Multiple Bills
HB 2938 - REGARDING LONG-TERM CARE FINANCING
This bill appears dead.
Budget Items
Home Care Workers
Both the House and Senate Budgets include $24 million to implement the renegotiated
collective bargaining agreement between the Home Care Quality Authority and
the bargaining representative of the individual home care workers. This will
provide for a .50/per hour raise beginning October, 2004, worker's compensation
benefits, and health care coverage. Individuals working half-time or more will
also receive a contribution toward health coverage. The Home Care Workers contract
has been a major issue last year and this.
Both House and Senate Budgets also provide funding to give Agency Home Care Workers comparable wage increases to those provided to individual home care workers.
Advocates for Case Management services provided through Area Agencies on Aging
are sought an additional $3 million in state funds (which will be matched by
$3 million federal) to cover a short-fall in funding. At stake are services
that help 24,000 elderly and disabled individuals remain in their homes, rather
than move to nursing homes for other residential facilities. Without adequate
staff assistance - e.g., for blood pressure monitoring to dressing, bathing,
and household chores - individuals now able to stay in their own homes, would
have to move into state-supported facilities. Staffing is currently about one-fifth
below what is needed. At least one study puts savings to the state from in-home
care at $227 million/year.
The Senate Budget provides $2.9 million (a 20% increase) for Area Agency on
Aging case management services, beginning 7/1/04.
The House Budget provides $2.4 million for the same purpose.
Nursing Home funding. This involves a complex, controversial, $11 million item,
with strong views on both sides. All agree that a highly complex system for
paying for nursing home care has been set in statute, and thus can only be changed
by amending the law (current rates are based on 1999). For details, contact
advocates for seniors and for nursing homes.
The Senate Budget provides the $11 million sought for the Nursing Home Rate
Increase.
Note: The Governor's budget included $2 million for the "Townsend Settlement."
These funds would establish an in-home care option for "medically needy"
individuals needing long-term care. "Medically needy" individuals,
in this case are those eligible for Medicaid-funded nursing home care, who would
be eligible for in-home care under COPES -- except that their monthly income
exceeds $1,692. This would permit them to get assistance with
long-term care without leaving their home.
CHILD CARE
HB 1545 - TO CONSOLIDATE EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.
This bill is dead.
Some issues raised by this bill have been taken up in HB 2780 (below).
SHB 2360/ SB 6595 - ESTABLISHING A WAGE LADDER FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS
These bills appear dead, but funding to improve the incomes of child care providers
is expected to emerge from the budget process.
HB 2498 - REVISING FUNDING CONSTRAINTS AFFECTING THE WASHINGTON WORKFIRST PROGRAM.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2780 - ESTABLISHING AN EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE LEGISLATIVE WORK GROUP.
This bill would begin to develop a strategic vision and specific goals for early
learning & child care programs and services throughout the state. The intent
is to support families in preparing for, and maintaining, their children's success
in school. It would establish an early learning and child care legislative Work
Group to make recommendations for early learning and child care programs and
services in the state, and report to the legislature by 12/5/04.
The bill appears dead, but may re-emerge as a Resolution not subject to the
Cut-Off.
SSB 6138 - DEVELOPING A MASTER PLAN FOR EDUCATION FROM PREKINDERGARTEN THROUGH
UNIVERSITY.
This bill appears dead.
Budget Items
The House Budget provides $1.0 to reinstate a pilot project involving a child
care Career and Wage Ladder program, which increases wages based on experience,
education, and level of responsibility.
The House Budget also provides $900,000 to help restore the declining subsidy
rates for child care providers. With funds so limited, and the need to restore
child care provider incomes so pressing (particularly in more costly urban areas),
some child care advocates would prefer to see the available funds devoted to
subsidy rate improvements (leaving restoration of the pilot program to later).
CHILD WELFARE/CHILDRENS' ISSUES
Work Session:
On Wednesday, 3/3 at 8:00 AM, the House Children and Family Services Committee
will have a work session on "Federal Child and Family Services Review,"
in House Hearing Room D, in the JL O'Brien Building.
HB 1563 - AFFIRMS THAT PARENTS HAVE A PARAMOUNT RIGHT TO RAISE THEIR MINOR CHILDREN.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2314 - CONCERNING NONPARENT VISITATION RIGHTS.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2334 - AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL "KEEP KIDS SAFE" LICENSE PLATE
This bill appears dead.
SHB 2361 - REQUIRING DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES CONCERNING
VISITATION FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE
This bill directs the Department of Social Health Services (DSHS) to develop
consistent policies and protocols - based on current relevant research concerning
visitation for children in foster care - to be implemented consistently throughout
the state. Requires that protocols include, but not be limited to: the structure,
quality, and frequency of visitations; and training for caseworkers, visitation
supervisors, and foster parents related to visitation. Provides that these protocols
be implemented by January 1, 2005.
This bill was voted DO PASS in the Senate Children &Family Services &
Corrections Cttee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
HB 2362 - ESTABLISHING THE USE OF FAMILY TEAM DECISION MEETINGS
This bill appears dead.
HB 2399/SB 6272 - ESTABLISHING FAMILY LEAVE INSURANCE
Both bills appear dead.
HB 2395 - STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE CIVIL CASES
The statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse is extended to ten years
from the commission of the act. No change is made to the 3-year "discovery"
rule relating to the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations. Since the
statue of limitations is tolled during minority, this means that a person will
have until the age of at least 28 to bring an action for childhood sexual abuse,
and potentially longer if the injured person did not discover the connection
between the abuse and the injury until after the age of 25.
In Week Seven, this bill was voted DO PASS by the Senate Judiciary Cttee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
HB 2429 - CHANGING PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE ADJUSTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT ORDERS
This bill appears dead.
SHB 2597 - DUTY OF A MEMBER OF THE CLERGY TO REPORTSEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD
This bill appears dead.
HB 2628 - PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE CHILD IN NEED OF SERVICES AND AT RISK YOUTH
HEARINGS.
This bill states that the public will be able to attend "child in need
of services", and "at risk youth" hearings, unless the judge
finds that this would not be in the best interest of the child..
This bill was voted DO PASS by the Senate Children & Family Services &
Corrections Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
HB 2699 - CHANGING PROVISIONS RELATING TO CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE WITH HIV
This bill is dead; HB 3081 is being considered instead. See below.
HB 2754 - PREVENTING THE SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN BY CUSTODIAL CARE GIVERS.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2777 - PROVIDING FOR AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
This bill appears dead.
SHB 2792 - INITIATING A PROCESS TO DEVELOP COLLABORATION AMONG PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
PROVIDERS OF CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2812 - ENSURING REPORTING BY CLERGY OF SEX OFFENSES COMMITTED AGAINST CHILDREN
BY OTHER CLERGY.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2877/SB 6524-REVISING PROVISIONS RELATING TO GUARDIANSHIP OF DEPENDENT CHILDREN.
Both bills appear dead.
HB 2936 - ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS FOR PERSONS HAVING
SUPERVISED AND UNSUPERVISED CONTACT WITH MINORS, DEVELOPMENTALY DISABLED PERSONS,
OR VUNERABLE ADULTS.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2963 - REQUIRING BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR ALL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH
SERVICES EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS.
This bill appears dead.
SHB 2984 - REQUIRING CHILD FATALITY REVIEWS FOR CHILDREN INVOLVED IN THE CHILD
WELFARE SYSTEM.
This bill requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to conduct
a child fatality review in the event of a death from any cause of a child: who
is in out-of-home care at the time of the child's death; or who had been reunified
with the child's family at the time of the child's death following a placement
out-of-home care.
In Week Seven, this bill got a vote of DO PASS in the Senate Children and Family
Services and Corrections Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
SHB 2988 - PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF FOSTER PARENTS.
This bill sets out protections for Foster Parents against retaliation by state
employees when foster parents advocate or services or file a compliant against
the department. It provides for investigation of complaints against state employees
and stipulates penalties in cases were retaliation is found.
In Week Seven, this bill got a vote of DO PASS in the Senate Children and Family
Services and Corrections Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
SHB 3001 - AUTHORING KINSHIP CAREGIVERS TO CONSENT TO MEDICAL CARE.
This bill appears dead.
SHB 3039 - EXTENDING THE EVALUATION FOR IDENTIFICATION OF LONG-TERM NEEDS OF
CHILDREN ENTERING THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM.
This bill appears dead.
SHB 3051 - REVISING NOTICE PROVISIONS FOR PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING INDIAN CHILDREN
This bill provides that whenever the court or the petitioning party in a third
party custody proceeding knows or has reason to know that an Indian child is
involved, the petitioning party must promptly notify the child's parent or Indian
custodian an to the agent designated by the child's tribe. The bill provides
for method and type of notification and defines rights to intervene. This bill
passed the House (96-0)
In Week Seven, this bill was voted DO PASS in the Senate Children and Family
Services and Corrections Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
SHB 3081-RELATING TO MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE AND TESTING FOR CHILDREN IN THE
CARE OF THE STATE.
This bill directs the provider of the initial medical assessment of a child
under one year of age following placement in out-of-home care to conduct a screening,
and if appropriate, test for blood-borne pathogens. It also directs dissemination
of the findings for each out-of home placement and provides all out-of home
providers training related to prevention, infection, transmission, control,
treatment, testing, and confidentiality about blood borne pathogens. This bill
passed the House (95-0).
In Week Seven, this bill was voted DO PASS in the Senate Children and Family
Services and Corrections Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
2SHB 3085 - ENCOURAGING THE USE OF FAMILY DECISION MAKING MEETING REGARDING
CHILDREN IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM.
This bill establishes as the policy of Washington State that it encourages and
supports family involvement in the decision making related to planning for children
in the child welfare system. It requires the use of these meetings when appropriate
and as soon as possible. If meetings are not used there must be written explanation
and when they are used they are to result in a written family plan. This bill
passed the House (96-0.
In Week Seven, this bill was voted DO PASS in the Senate Children and Family
Services and Corrections Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
SHB 3090 - REVISING DEFINITION OF OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT.
This bill defines all situations in state placements that qualify as out-of-home
placements. It removes the following language from the statutory definition
of out-of-home placement: "or placement in a home, other that that of the
child's parents, guardian, or legal custodian, not required to be licensed."
With this change, placement with a relative would no longer be viewed as a failure
of in-home family preservation/intensive family preservation services.
The Senate bill appears dead.
In Week Seven, the House bill was voted DO PASS in the Senate Children and Family
Services and Corrections Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
2SSB 6220 - REGARDING SCHOOL EMPLOYEE DUTY TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE
OR NEGLECT
This bill would require that any school employee who has witnessed - or has
reasonable cause to believe - that a student has suffered abuse or neglect by
any person, including other school personnel, shall report to the proper law
enforcement agency or to the department of social and health services. The bill
also requires that school employees receive training regarding their reporting
obligations every three years. This bill passed the Senate (48-0).
This bill was voted DO PASS in the House Education Committee.
It is now in the House Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
SB 6446 - CLARIFING THE DUTY OF CLERGY TO REPORT ABUSE AND NEGLECT.
This bill appears dead.
SSB 6457 - CHANGING PROVISIONS RELATING TO ADOPTION
This bill holds that under no circumstances shall adoptions be delayed, denied,
or given preferential treatment based upon the race of the child or prospective
adoptive parents;
nor shall any fee be based upon the race or physical characteristics of the
child, nor of the ability of the prospective adoptive parents to pay the adoption-related
fees. The bill further states that all adoption fees will be disclosed by prospective
adoptive parents to the court and approved by the court prior to the granting
of the adoption petition. The intent of the bill is to eliminate any artificial
barriers to adoption, such as fees exceeding the actual cost of the adoption-related
services provided. Finally, the bill establishes a fund to assist prospective
adoptive parents in meeting the actual costs of adopting a child. It passed
the Senate (47-0).
This bill was voted DO PASS in the House Children and Family Services Committee.
It is now in the House Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
ESSB 6642- FAMILY GROUP CONFERENCES FOLLOWING SHELTER CARE
This bill requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to facilitate
a family group conference following shelter care and no later than 25 days prior
to fact-finding. The family group conference replaces the conference created
by the legislature in 2001. This bill was amended as follows: The term family
group conference was replaced by case conference; parent will receive notification
that they may have two advocates accompany them to the case conference; and
all available conference participants must receive seven days notice of conference.
In Week Seven, this bill was voted DO PASS in the House Children & Family
Services Committee.
It is now in the House Appropriations Committee, where it should be acted on
by COB 3/1.
SSB 6643 - PROVIDING GUIDELINES FOR FAMILY VISITATION FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN.
This bill provides for visitation, and says that it shall not be limited by
a parent's failure to comply. Asks the court and agency to rely on community
resources, relatives, foster parents, and other appropriate persons to provide
transportation and supervision for visitation to the extent that such resources
are available, and the child's safety would not be compromised.
In Week Seven, this bill was voted DO PASS by the House Children & Family
Services Cttee.
It is now in the House Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
Budget Items
The House and Senate Budgets both contain $500,000 for Support Services for
Kinship Caregivers. The funds are included in the Aging and Disabilities portion
of the DSHS budget and would be disseminated through the Area Agencies on Aging.
The proviso notes that priority for the funds shall be given to kinship caregivers
who are at the greatest risk of being unable to maintain their care-giving role
without support services.
The House Budget provides $3 million for Improvements in the state Foster Care System, in response to the recently released federal Child and Family Services Review. $2.6 million is for implementing family team meetings and to strengthen families. The remainder is to make improvements in CAMIS - the computer system used by foster care caseworkers.
CIVIL RIGHTS
HB 1809 - EXPANDING THE JURISDICTION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION.
This bill was carried over from the first Session (2003) and re-introduced on
1/12/04. In 2003 it passed the House but not the Senate. It would amend the
law against discrimination to prohibit discrimination based on a person's sexual
orientation, and authorize the Human Rights Commission to charge fees to participants
to cover the costs of educational programs, seminars, and training. The bill
also defines "sexual orientation" and "creed." 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.
Advocates believe they have a chance to pass this bill this year; it has been
introduced many years.
This bill appears dead, but supporters continue to look for ways to bring it
to a vote in the Senate.
HB 2054 - RESTORING VOTING RIGHTS TO FELONS UPON COMPLETION OF SUPERVISION
This bill appears dead.
HB 2592 - PROHIBITING STATE DRIVER'S LICENSE OR IDENTICARD ISSUANCE IF IDENTITY
CANNOT BE ESTABLISHED.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2700/SB 6268 - PERMITTING A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY TO MAINTAIN A DIVERSE
STUDENT POPULATION BY CONSIDERING RACE, COLOR, ETHNICITY, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN,
WITHOUT USING QUOTAS, POINTS, OR SET-ASIDES.
Both bills appear dead.
HB 2739/ SB 6244 - PROVIDING FUNDING FOR CERTAIN JUSTICE SYSTEM ACTIVITIES
Both bills appear dead.
HB 2772 - CONTROLLING GENETIC INFORMATION
This bill appears dead.
SB 5430 - VERIFYING LAWFUL RESIDENCY OF DRIVER'S LICENSE APPLICANTS and
SB 5081 -VERIFYING LEGAL UNITED STATES PRESENCE is listed as a "companion
bill." Both bills appear dead.
SB 6180 - PROHIBITING THE USE OF GENETIC INFORMATION IN EMPLOYMENT DECISIONS.
This bill would make it unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or government
entities in the state of Washington, to require - directly or indirectly - that
any employee or prospective employee submit genetic information or submit to
screening for genetic information as a condition of employment or continued
employment.
In Week Seven this bill was voted DO PASS by the House Committee on Commerce
& Labor. It is now in the House Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled
for Floor Action.
SB 6181 - INCLUDING GENETIC INFORMATION AS A PROTECTED CATEGORY IN THE LAW
AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
This bill appears dead.
Budget Issue
Without access to the Courts and justice system, basic rights are denied. The
Washington Supreme Court commissioned a study of Civil Legal Needs which found
that over 3/4ths of low-income Washington households experience at least one
important civil legal problem every year - issues affecting such basic human
needs as shelter, safety, and income. Only a small fraction of them (about 15%)
get any assistance in dealing with these problems. Vulnerable elderly individuals,
people fleeing domestic violence, women and children are disproportionately
affected. Meanwhile, funding -- including state funding -- for legal aid and
services has been declining.
Each of three budget versions has treated this issue differently:
-- The Governor's proposed budget includes $3.9 million for civil legal aid;
-- The House Budget includes $2 million for this purpose; The Senate Budget
does not.
DISABILITIES
SHB 2554/SB 6379 - DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY CHILD SUPPORT
Both bills appear dead.
SHB 2596 - PROVIDING FOR EARLY INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES -
Birth to Three.
This bill appears dead.
SB 6442 - CREATING THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COMMUNITY TRUST ACCOUNT
This bill proposes to sell or lease excess property identified in a study by
the joint legislative audit and review committee (JLARC) at Rainier, Lakeland
Village and Yakima Valley Residential Habilitation Centers. The proceeds would
then be deposited into a perpetual trust account from which the legislature
can appropriate funds for unserved persons with developmental disabilities who
are waiting for community-based services. An ostensibly straight-forward issue
that involves no cost, and holds out the promise of providing a source of funding
for community-based services for 9,000 individuals with disabilities, this bill
has run into surprising opposition. There is speculation it may relate back
to sore feelings over decisions affecting FirCrest - even though that is not
related to this bill.
This bill includes the option of selling (as well as leasing) timber and unused
properties at Ranier and Lakeland RHC's, with the proceeds to benefit those
needing community-based DD services. It also includes the disposal of excess
acreage under the control of WSU. A similar House bill died.
This bill got a Public Hearing but remains in the House Committee on Capital
Budget. It must be voted out by Monday evening to remain alive.
HB 2766/ SB 6714 - EXPANDING RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CASELOAD FORECAST COUNCIL
This bill adds developmental disability programs to the responsibilities of
the caseload forecast council, along with other state programs (e.g., for medical
assistance, foster care and adoption support, nursing homes and the COPES waiver
for seniors and persons with physical disabilities, etc). "Caseload,"
means the number of persons expected to meet eligibility requirements and require
the services of various assistance programs.
Unless they are deemed "necessary to the budget," both bills are dead.
HB 2943 - REGARDING THE ADMISSIBILITY OF STATEMENTS MADE BY DEPENDENT PERSONS.
This bill appears dead.
SB 5445 - RELATING TO INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR NEURODEVELOPMENTAL THERAPIES
This bill appears dead.
HB 2663 - RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE
This bill directs the code reviser to avoid references to individuals with disabilities
as "disabled," "handicapped," "cripple," "mentally
ill," "mentally disabled," "mentally retarded," or
"developmentally disabled," and to replace, as appropriate, with the
following: individuals with disabilities, individuals with mental retardation,
individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals with mental illness.
The purpose is to put the person, not the condition, first, as a way to restore
dignity and respect. This is a no-cost item with a strong appeal. For an excellent
account of the hearing on this bill, see the "ARC Insider."
The Senate bill died. The House bill passed the House (95-0) and promptly won
a vote of DO PASS in the Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care.
The House bill remains in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled
for Floor Action.
SB 6419 - IMPLEMENTING THE HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT.
This bill has a simple, timely purpose: to carry out provisions of the Help
America Vote Act, which includes in-person, disability access voting, using
access voting devices, and grants to counties.
In Week Seven the Senate bill was amended and given a vote of DO PASS by the
House Committee on State Government. It is now in the House Appropriations Committee
(which included $3.1 million for this purpose in its Budget; eventually it is
expected to draw nearly $63 million in federal matching funds for this purpose).
Budget items
There is a lack of funding for high school graduates in need of employment/day
funding. Advocates were asking for $2 million in the Supplemental Budget to
serve about 325 graduates (one-fourth of all 2003-2004 graduates).
Both the House and Senate Budgets included $ 1 million for this purpose.
The Senate Budget includes $1.2 million to modify and automate the Comprehensive Assessment Reporting Evaluation (CARE) tool used by the Aging and Adult Services Administration to improve assessments for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Senate Budget includes a $36,000 cost for collecting child support from
families with developmentally disabled children, when those children are living
in foster care or other out-of-home placement. (SB 6379).
The House Budget provides an increase of $2.5 million, in community residential
supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
For a complete list of budget items related to the disability community, contact
The ARC of Washington.
HEALTH CARE
SHB 1498 - MODIFYING THE SCOPE OF CARE BY PHYSICAL THERAPISTS.
This bill intends that only those who meet and maintain certain standards of
competance should be allowed to practice physical therapy. Under this bill,
individuals may not hold themselves out to be physical therapists if they are
not trained or licensed according to this Act. This bill passed the House in
2003, but not the Senate. It was re-introduced and there is an effort underway
to secure passage in 2004.
In Week Seven this bill was amended and voted DO PASS by the Senate Committee
on Health & Long-Term Care. It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting
to be scheduled for Floor Action.
HB 2336 - PROVIDING FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH
This bill appears dead.
HJM 4030 - ENCOURAGING STEM CELL RESEARCH
Note: HJM stands for House Joint Memorial. This is not a bill, but rather a
message to the President or Congress (or other federal entity) urging consideration
of a matter of importance to the state.
This Joint Memorial appears dead.
.
ESHB 2354 - (Originally: ALLOWING DISCOUNTS ON MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE
POLICIES) CONCERNING RATES FOR A MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE POLICY
Such discounts would be allowed when premiums are deposited automatically.
This much-amended bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Health and Long-Term
Care. It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor
Action.
SHB 2460 - PROVIDING ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SMALL EMPLOYERS/EMPLOYEES
This bill would permit the Insurance Commissioner to approve health insurance
plans that do not include all services currently mandated. Last year a similar
bill raised concerns that it 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 treatment are
particularly concerned (and believe the title may be misleading).
The bill would permit insurance carriers to offer small employers packages with
narrower coverage than they now offer. They would be allowed to drop comprehensive
insurance for "bare bones" plans, which typically do not include mental
health or chemical dependency services. In addition, "small groups"
would need at least two people to qualify, thereby making it more difficult
for individuals to get coverage that includes mental health or chemical dependency
treatment. The bill was amended in ways that left mental health and
substance treatment advocates concerned. It passed the House (63-33).
This bill won a vote of DO PASS in the Senate Committee on Health and Long-Term
Care. It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor
Action.
HB 2469 - AUTHORIZING CERTAIN STATE AGENCIES TO PURCHASE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
FROM CANADIAN WHOLESALERS AND PHARMACISTS.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2748 - DEFINING ABSTINENCE EDUCATION AND COMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION FOR
K-12 STUDENTS.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2749 - AFFIRMING THE RIGHT OF A WOMAN TO REFUSE TO HAVE AN ABORTION
This bill appears dead.
HB 2599 - REQUIRING INFORMED CONSENT FOR AN ABORTION
This bill appears dead.
HB 2617/SB 6223 - ESTABLISHING PARENTAL NOTIFICATION FOR ABORTION
Both bills appear dead.
NOTE: four bills dealing with abortion were SB 5878, SB 5879, SB 6222, and
SB 6223.
All now appear dead.
HB 2763/ SB 6423 - IMPROVING THE DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO SCHOOL
CHILDREN
Both bills appear dead.
HB 2787 - PROVIDING IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
AT COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE SETTINGS
This bill is an attempt to provide liability protection to physicians and other
health care providers who take action during medical emergencies, and/or volunteer
at community-based facilities providing free care to people who are uninsured
and otherwise lack health care coverage. It passed the House (92-6).
In Week Seven it was voted DO PASS by the Senate Health & Long-Term Care
Cttee. It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for
Floor Action.
HB 2788 - ESTABLISHING PRIORITY FOR FUNDS IN THE LIABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM
FOR RETIRED PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS VOLUNTEERING TO SERVE LOW-INCOME PATIENTS.
This bill is explained by its title; it is particularly important to clinics
in under-served areas.
It passed the House (88-10). (The House Budget provides $300,000 for this purpose.)
In Week Seven this bill got a vote of DO PASS in the Senate Health & Long-Term
Care Cttee. It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, to be scheduled for Floor
Action.
HB 2789 - PERMITTING HEALTH INFORMATION AND DISEASE PREVENTION INSTRUCTION
This bill appears dead.
SB 5597 - PROHIBITING TOBACCO PRODUCT SAMPLING.
This bill would prohibit the distribution of tobacco product samples to members
of the public, and violations would count as misdemeanors. This bill passed
the Senate (41-7).
In Week Seven this bill was voted DO PASS by the House Health Care Committee.
It is now in the House Finance Committee, where it must be acted on by C.O.B.
3/1.
SB 5923 - PROTECTING ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE CARE FOR PATIENTS UNDER STATE PROGRAMS
This bill appears dead.
SB 5944 - CONCERNING THE BASIC HEALTH PLAN
This bill appears dead.
HB 1868/ SB 5791 - PROHIBITING SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES
Both bills appear dead.
HB 1979/ SB 5876 - AUTHORIZING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO RESTRICT OR PROHIBIT SMOKING
IN PUBLIC PLACES
These bills appear dead.
SB 6231 - PROHIBITING SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES.
This bill appears dead.
SB 6431 - PROVIDING HEALTH INFORMATION FOR YOUTH
This bill appears dead.
SB 6651 - MANDATING THE CREATION OF A MEDICAL NECESSITY DEFINITION.
This bill appears dead.
Budget Items
There are on-going issues related to the fact that recent years' budget cuts
have left thousands of low-earning working families and children without affordable
health coverage. Among them are 28,000 children, thousands of immigrants, and
many working people who depend on the Basic Health Plan because they get no
health coverage from their jobs.
Premiums for Childrens' Health Care.
The two budgets treat the issue of monthly per-child health care premiums on
families with incomes between 100% and 250% of the poverty line.
The House Budget provides $25.4 million to eliminate premiums for all but families
with incomes below 200% of poverty, and would impose a $20/per child premium
between 200-250% of the poverty line.
The Senate Budget provides $16.7 million to reduce the premiums agreed to last
year, but keeps them in place. For families with incomes from 100% - 150% of
the poverty line ($1,300 - $1,900/month for a family of 3) the premium would
be $5/per child; from 150% - 200% (up to $2,500/month for a family of three)
the premium would be $10/per child; and from 200-250% (up to $3,200/month) of
the poverty line, the premium would be $15/per child - but only for the first
two children.
The Governor's Budget uses the $26 million SCHIP money to eliminate premiums
for families with incomes below 150% of the poverty line, and reduce the premiums
for families with incomes 150 - 200% of the FPL.
(NOTE: The savings estimates in proposals to impose premiums stem chiefly from the assumption that families with marginal incomes will simply opt out of coverage.)
Community and Migrant Health Centers
These health centers are in a bind: they are seeing more patients (up 20% over
two-years), and at the same time they have less money (largely due to budget
cuts to the Basic Health Plan (BHP) and Medicaid). E.g., last year, when the
Basic Health Plan was frozen, these centers lost almost 18,000 insured enrollees,
while at the same time their uninsured patient load was rising. Since uninsured
patients pay for their care on a sliding fee scale that does not reflect true
costs, reimbursement to the centers met only a portion of their costs. Ultimately,
too little money means less ability to serve -- which in turn puts at risk immigrant
children and others who were "shifted off" of Medicaid, but never
actually "shifted onto" the BHP. Most have no other access to care
or coverage. And when patients lack access to primary care at these health centers,
they either go without care … or seek it in more costly hospital emergency
rooms.
Clinic supporters sought two budget items: $15 million for the health centers through the Community Health Services program, and a $15-20 million grant to urban hospitals to help make up for cuts in the Medically Indigent program.
The House Budget provides $5 million for Community Clinics, and $10 million
for assistance to hospitals.
The Senate Budget provides $13.5 million from the Health Services Account to
help hospitals bear the cost of uncompensated care (this is a 21% increase over
the amount in the biennial budget.)
The House Budget provides $300,000 from the Health Services Account to enable retired health providers to volunteer their services.
The Senate Budget provides $2.8 million to improve drug rebate collections under Medicaid.
HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS
HB 2216 - PROVIDING SHORT-TERM CASH ASSISTANCE TO HOMELESS PERSONS
This bill appears dead.
HB 2578 - ADDING SITUATIONS IN WHICH CRIME VICTIMS ARE VULNERABLE DUE TO THE
LACK OF A FIXED RESIDENCE… MERITING AN EXCEPTIONAL SENTENCE
This bill appears dead.
EHB 2694 - REVISING DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS "2060" FOR OPERATING AND
MAINTENANCE OF VERY LOW-INCOME HOUSING
In 2002, the legislature passed House Bill 2060, imposing a fee on documents
recorded with counties. Those monies are used to fund capital costs and operations
of low-income housing at the state and local levels. In order to ensure the
original legislative intent for the fair distribution of funds, advocates are
urging the Legislature to fine-tune this law to ensure three purposes: that
all very low-income housing projects eligible to receive monies from the Housing
Trust Fund are also eligible to receive these operating funds; that use of funds
for new construction not be linked to local vacancy rates; and that the current
5% Relocation Assistance for Residential Tenants in Substandard Housing can
cover the costs of both collecting and distributing the funds. The bill recognizes
that many tenants in rental housing live in substandard housing, but lack the
resources to improve conditions. These changes require no additional funds.
The House bill passed the House (59-37); it remains in the Senate Ways &
Means Cttee where it must be acted on by COB on Monday, 3/1.
HB 2818 - CREATING THE HOMELESS FAMILIES SERVICES FUND
This bill intends to create - with a one-time investment of state funds - a
fund to leverage private resources and ensure the long-term availability of
stable housing to support homeless families state-wide. It recognizes that homeless
families often need more than just a roof over their heads - particularly when
they are fleeing from abuse or trauma, and have long periods of instability.
The bill requires a report to the legislature by 12/1, 2004, with a preliminary
plan for implementation of this act.
In Committee, the appropriation was reduced to $5,000,000 to carry out the act
(and keep the bill alive). The state funds would be matched by private contributions
and local sources, and would support services to an estimated 4,000 families
over 15 years. This bill passed the House (78-18).
In Week Seven this bill was voted DO PASS in the Senate Children & Family
Services & Corrections Cttee, and the House Budget included #3.15 million
to implement the bill. It is now in the Senate Ways & Means Committee, where
it must be voted on by COB Monday, 3/1.
HB 2870 - RELOCATION ASSISTANCE FOR RESIDENTIAL TENANTS IN SUBSTANDARD HOUSING
This bill appears dead.
HB 3082/ SB 5068 - RESOLVING MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME LANDLORD-TENANT (MHLTA)
DISPUTES
Both bills appear dead.
Budget items:
The House Budget provides $3 million for Homeless Families Services, and
The House Budget provides $1.5 million for the Domestic Violence Shelter program.
Neither budget included an increase in the Housing Trust Fund.
HUNGER AND NUTRITION
HB 1554 - CONCERNING FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY
This bill appears dead.
HB 2548 - CREATING A PILOT FOOD BANK OUTREACH PROGRAM
This bill appears dead.
HB 2760 - PROVIDING FOR HEALTHY FOODS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN
This bill appears dead.
HB 2680 - REQUIRING DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL POLICY FOR NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY FOR SCHOOLS
This bill appears dead.
HB 2769 - REDUCING HUNGER
Like SB 6411, this bill attempts to deal with Washington's ranking among the
"top five" hunger states. It deals primarily with the child nutrition
aspects: school districts with 25% or more low-income children must implement
a lunch program (unless they can show "good cause" why they cannot);
summer lunch programs would be required where 50% of the children are low-income,
and in additional districts by 2005; meals for these programs may come from
a variety of sources.
In Week Seven this bill got a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on
Children & Family Services & Corrections. Some or all of its provisions
may be amended onto SB 6411 on the Senate Floor, early in Week Eight.
SB 6525 - REQUIRING DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL POLICY FOR NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY FOR SCHOOLS.
This bill is very similar to HB 2680, above, but not a companion bill; it appears
dead.
SB 5436 - REGARDING FOODS AND BEVERAGES SOLD AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
This bill is also similar to HB 2680 (above), but it also addresses issues the
fact that while there are nutritional standards for the meals in the school
breakfast and lunch programs, there are limited standards to regulate "competitive
foods" sold in schools. However, since the United States Department of
Agriculture calls for states and local entities to add restrictions on competitive
foods, as necessary, this bill provides that, at elementary and middle schools,
the sale of all foods on school grounds during regular school hours shall be
approved for compliance with the applicable nutrition standards. It passed the
Senate (47-1).
In Week Seven this bill was amended and then voted DO PASS in the House Education
Committee. It is now in the House Rules Committee.
SB 6214 - EXPANDING THE FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS,
AND CHILDREN.
This bill would provide funding to expand the farmers market nutrition program
into areas of the state in which agencies administering the federal women, infants,
and children nutrition program do not presently receive state matching funds
to participate in the program. First priority for this program expansion will
be to areas of demonstrated need for, and commitment to, the program by raising
local contributions to match federal funds.
The bill is dead, but the Senate budget includes $100,000 to carry out its purposes.
SSB 6411 - REDUCING HUNGER
Like HB 2769, this bill attempts to deal with Washington's ranking among the
"top five" hunger states. It deals primarily with the food stamp aspects:
increased access to food stamps for eligible individuals - including through
simplified reporting, transitional benefits for families leaving TANF, and "food
stamp fairness" (taking the federal option to restore benefits to certain
former drug felons). Greater access to food stamps and other programs would
help recipients to achieve self support.
In Week Seven, this bill - which a week earlier appeared dead - was resuscitated.
It won a vote of DO PASS by the Senate Ways & Means Committee. It is now
in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action - perhaps
as soon as 3/1. It appears that some or all of its provisions may be combined
with HB 2769 on the floor.
Budget items
The House Budget provides $11,000 for start-up costs associated with the school
lunch mandate in HB 2769, and other start-up lunch costs.
The Senate Budget provides $112,000 to implement portions of SB 6411; and provides $100,000 to expand the WIC Farmers' Market.
JUVENILES/YOUTH
HB 1145 - CHANGING PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE PLACEMENT OF JUVENILES UNDER
EIGHTEEN WHO HAVE BEEN CONVICTED AS ADULTS.
This bill appears dead.
HB - 1820 - CHANGING PROVISIONS CONCERNING YOUTH SHELTER NOTIFICIATION TO PARENTS
ABOUT RUNAWAY YOUTH.
This bill appears dead.
SHB 1824-DEVELOPING CRITERIA TO ENSURE QUALITY CONTROL ON RESEARCH BASED TREATMENT
PROGRAMS FOR JUVENILES
This bill appears dead.
HB 1912 - ALLOWING SCHOOL BOARDS TO DECLINE TO ADMIT STUDENTS WHO ARE CONVICTED
JUVENILE SEX OFFENDERS.
This bill appears dead.
SHB 2328- CHANGING PROVISIONS RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF SEX AND KIDNAPPING
OFFENDERS WHO ARE STUDENTS.
This bill appears dead.
SHB 2329 - REVISING PROVISIONS RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR MINORS.
This bill tightens up the review process under the parent-initiated commitment
procedure. Changes the currently unused parent-initiated process by shortening
the amount of time DSHS has to conduct an external review from 7-14 days to
3-7 days. Changes the amount of time after that review for which a minor patient
has to wait to contest his/her commitment in court from 5 days to 0 days. Clarifies
that there is no due process for minors UNDER the age of 13 when facing commitment
(this is current practice but was unclear, at best, in law). The idea behind
this bill is to open up the parent-initiated procedure for use by parents and
practitioners. The largest difference between the parent and the state (ITA)
initiated procedure is the lower standard for commitment (parent initiated is
"medically necessary", ITA is gravely disabled/harm to self or others).
Therefore, this bill strengthens the due process in the parent-initiated procedure
to convince practitioners to use that process without fear of a lawsuit. If
practitioners then begin to use this procedure, this would allow minors to be
committed under a lower standard.
In Week Seven, this bill was voted DO PASS in the Senate Children and Family
Services and Corrections Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
HB 2377- REORGANIZING PROVISIONS CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR MINORS
This bill appears dead.
HB 2391 - ESTABLISHING AN INCENTIVE POLICY FOR SCHOOLS TO INCREASE ATTENDANCE
This bill appears dead.
HB 2543 - ELIMINATING GANG ACTIVITY NEAR SCHOOLS
This bill appears dead.
SHB 2595 - MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS REGARDING THE SALE OF VIOLENT
VIDEO AND COMPUTER GAMES.
This bill appears dead.
SHB 2597- DUTY OF A MEMBER OF THE CLERGY TO REPORT SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2628- PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE CHILD IN NEED OF SERVICES AND AT RISK YOUTH HEARINGS.
This bill states that the public will be able to attend "child in need
of services", and "at risk youth" hearings, unless the judge
finds that this would not be in the best interest of the child.
In Week Seven, this bill was voted DO PASS in the Senate Children and Family
Services and Corrections Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
SSB 6431 - PERMITING HEALTH INFORMATION AND DISEASE PREVENTION INSTRUCTION
This bill appears dead.
HB 3078/SSB 6609 - REVISING TIMELINES FOR SEALING JUVENILE RECORDS
This bill reduces the time that juveniles must wait to have their records sealed
when they have fully complied with all the requirements necessary. Currently,
all juvenile offenses are public records: anyone can see them, and, if asked,
individuals must acknowledge their existence. States reserve the option of "sealing"
- making records non-public - for those thought to be rehabilitated. Washington
state requires the longest wait before sealing (10 years after release to seal
a class B felony, 5 to seal a Class C felony, and 3 to seal a gross misdemeanor.
This bill would shorten the waiting time to 5 years for a Class B, and 2 years
for everything else. Class A and sex offenses will remain not sealable - as
under current law.
This bill aims to assist young adults who committed a juvenile offense and have
not been involved with the criminal justice system for a long time. Sealing
will only be available for those who have completed all court-imposed conditions
(probation, fees, treatment, etc.).
It will act as an incentive for young adults to choose crime-free lifestyles,
not plagued by juvenile records at critical times, i.e., college admissions,
first job, first-time independence.
The House bill was voted DO PASS in the Senate Children & Family Services
& Corrections Cttee. It is now in the Senate Rules Cttee, to be scheduled
for Floor Action.
The Senate bill was voted DO PASS in the House Juvenile Justice & Family
Law Cttee. It is now in the House Rules Committee waiting to be scheduled for
Floor Action.
MENTAL HEALTH
HB 1828 - REQUIRING THAT INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BE AT
PARITY WITH MEDICAL AND SURGICAL
This remains a high priority for mental health advocates, in part because mental
illness is now the single most common reason children over 4 are hospitalized,
and suicide is the leading cause of death for teens. The bill stems from recognition
that the costs of leaving mental disorders untreated or under-treated are significant.
They often include: decreased productivity, loss of employment, increased disability
costs, deteriorating school performance, increased use of other health services,
treatment delays leading to more costly treatments, suicide, family breakdown
and impoverishment, and institutionalization, whether in hospitals, juvenile
detention, jails, or prisons. Thus, the bill maintains that it is not cost-effective
to treat persons with mental disorders differently than persons with medical
and surgical disorders, so insurance coverage should be required to be at parity
for mental health services -- i.e., mental health coverage on the same terms
as medical and surgical services. These are not "companion" bills
but are very similar. Supporters point out that Parity is
supported by over 100 organizations in Washington, and voluntary offered by
over 50 corporations nation-wide. Although HB 1828 has no fiscal impact on the
state budget for at least five years, some members remain sceptical. This bill
passed the House (64-33).
The Senate Health & Long-Term Care Cttee passed out this bill with No Recommendation.
It is now in the Senate Ways & Means Committee - and likely dead.
HB 2377 - REORGANIZING PROVISIONS CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR MINORS
This is a non-controversial reordering of provisions within existing statute.
It appears dead.
SHB 2460 - PROVIDING ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SMALL EMPLOYERS/EMPLOYEES
This bill would permit the Insurance Commissioner to approve health insurance
plans that do not include all services currently mandated. Last year a similar
bill raised concerns that it 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 treatment are
particularly concerned (and believe the title may be misleading).
The bill would permit insurance carriers to offer small employers packages with
narrower coverage than they now offer. They would be allowed to drop comprehensive
insurance for "bare bones" plans, which typically do not include mental
health or chemical dependency services. In addition, "small groups"
would need at least two people to qualify, thereby making it more difficult
for individuals to get coverage that includes mental health or chemical dependency
treatment. The bill was amended in ways that left mental health and
substance treatment advocates concerned. It passed the House (63-33).
This bill was voted DO PASS in the Senate Committee on Health and Long-Term
Care. It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor
Action.
Budget Items
The Senate Budget would provide $2.8 million to rescind the 1.7% "Ratable
Reduction" agreed to last year for community mental health payment rates.
It also provides funding for two studies: one to review mitigation costs related
to siting a facility for sexually violent predators, and a second for a JLARC
study of the economic impacts of state facilities such as mental hospitals and
institutions for the developmentally disabled, on local communities.
The House Budget would provide $2.2 million to rescind the 1.7% "Ratable
Reduction" noted above. (Both budgets assume other fund availability to
fully restore last-year's cuts to the Regional Service Networks.)
The House Budget also provides $1.3 million for sexual harassment and other
staff training for relevant employees, and $50,000 for a joint legislative and
executive task force to review the current structure for providing mental health
services in Washington.
REVENUES
Background
Several issues over tax expenditures were joined this year by citizen groups
concerned about the tendency to grant increasing numbers and kinds of tax breaks,
and do so with little public scrutiny or accountability. They point out that
our tax system now provides for over 500 state and local tax breaks (exemptions,
exclusions or deductions, credits, deferrals or preferential tax rates), intended
to promote various goals. The Department of Revenue estimates that total state
and local tax breaks in the current biennium come to $65 billion dollars, of
which $13 billion could be realized as revenue. The entire 2003-2005 General
Fund budget is just $23 billion.
Nonetheless, HB 2546 - a bill renewing a package of costly R&D tax credits - was the first to clear both houses and be signed into law by the Governor, with only token accountability provisions. In addition, the Senate Budget proposes adopting an additional $28,470,000 in new tax breaks of various kinds (e.g., one such tax break would cost the state $6.3 million by 2007, by changing the designation of gyms to physical fitness services, and thus subject to a lower tax rate). This issue is not likely to go away.
Several bills were proposed in this Session in an attempt to begin to bring some accountability to the state's many and costly tax expenditures. Only two remain, and prospects are not good for either.
HB 1869 - REQUIRING PERFORMANCE AUDITS FOR TAX PREFERENCES.
The bill stems from the fact that tax preferences (tax breaks) are enacted to
meet certain objectives - e.g., create jobs, stimulate research. But given the
changing nature of the economy, and other states' tax systems, some tax preferences
may no longer be efficient. This bill would thus require periodic performance
audits of tax preferences, in order to determine whether they serve the public
interest. It creates a citizen commission to measure the performance of tax
preferences, to develop a schedule for orderly review of tax preferences at
least once every ten years, and to review tax preferences that are about to
expire. The commission may omit any tax preference determined to be a critical
part of the structure of the tax system. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review
Committee - JLARC - will also be involved. This bill was passed by the House
(58-40).
It remains in the Senate Ways & Means Committee; it is likely dead.
HB 2546/ SB 6239 - MODIFYING HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX
INCENTIVE PROVISIONS.
These companion bills embody the Governor's proposal together with related bills
dealing with renewed credits in rural areas. The cost to the state treasury
would be $74 million through the end of the current biennium, with an additional
loss of $18 million to local governments (over $220 million in lost revenues
to state and local governments, during the next biennium). Although these tax
credits are intended to create jobs in Washington, it is notable in a time of
limited resources, that studies by the state's Department of Revenue have found
no evidence that the business tax exemptions actually create jobs in Washington
State.
Minor ("not strong") accountability provisions were included.
This bill was signed into law by the Governor.
HB 2654 - REQUIRING A TAX EXPENDITURE REPORT AS PART OF BIENNIAL BUDGET DOCUMENTS.
This bill asks the governor to prepare a tax expenditure report as part of the
biennial budget documents. This report will include the listing of exemptions
prepared by the Department of Revenue, and a budget analysis of each exemption.
The budget analysis shall categorize each exemption according to the programs
or functions each exemption supports, and include a determination of whether
each exemption is the most fiscally effective means of achieving the purpose
of the exemption. It would also include a determination of whether each exemption
has achieved its purpose, including an analysis of the persons that are benefited
by the exemption. It directs the governor to identify each exemption that will
terminate during the next biennium and make a recommendation as to whether the
exemption should be allowed to terminate, continue, or continue with modification.
Before passing the bill in the House, they dropped the requirement that "evaluation"
of the tax credits be included in the required report. (That is covered in another
bill.)
The bill passed the House (84-12). It remains in the Senate Ways & Means
Committee. It is likely dead.
HB 2762 - PROVIDING MANDATORY ACCOUNTABILITY FOR TAX PREFERENCES
This bill appears dead.
HB 2930 - DISALLOWING TAX EXPENDITURES THAT EXCEED A SPECIFIED LIMIT.
This bill appears dead.
SEXUAL ABUSE/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
2EHB 1645 - ADDRESSING PROTECTION OF VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT,
OR STALKING IN THE RENTAL OF HOUSING
This bill establishes provisions for the protection of victims of domestic violence,
sexual assault, or stalking from discrimination in the rental of housing, eviction,
or penalties that result from their victimization. After a compromise was reached
between the landlords and domestic violence advocates, the bill went to the
House floor and promptly passed (95-0).
In Week Seven this bill was amended and voted DO PASS by the Senate Committee
on Financial Services, Insurance & Housing.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
SSB 6161 - REQUIRING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO ADOPT POLICIES CONCERNING
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BY SWORN EMPLOYEES.
This bill requires a model policy to be developed by the State Association of
Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, to deal with domestic violence by law enforcement
personnel. It must be developed in collaboration with representatives from law
enforcement, domestic violence advocates, and other appropriate groups. The
bill requires that all law enforcement agencies either adopt the model policy
or write their own -- consistent with minimum standards in the law. This bill
arises from the Crystal & David Brame case and has a lot of momentum.
In Week Seven the Senate bill was voted DO PASS by the House Juvenile Justice
& Family Law Committee.
It is now in the House Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
HB 2395 - MODIFYING THE STATUE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE CIVIL
CASES
This bill revises, and in certain cases, extends the statue of limitations for
civil cases involving the reporting of childhood sexual abuse. This bill passed
the House (95-0).
In Week Seven, it was voted DO PASS by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
SSB 6384 - IMPOSING PENALTIES AGAINST CONVICTED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDERS
TO PAY FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS
This bill would establish a penalty to hold convicted domestic violence offenders
accountable while requiring them to pay penalties to offset the costs of domestic
violence advocacy and prevention programs. The penalties imposed would be used
for established domestic violence prevention and prosecution programs. This
assessment would be in addition to any other penalty, restitution, fines, or
costs provided by law. Revenues would be used solely for the purposes of funding
domestic violence advocacy and domestic violence prevention and prosecution
programs in the city or county of the court imposing the assessment.
In Week Seven, the Senate bill was voted DO PASS by the House Juvenile Justice
& Family Law Committee.
It is now in the House Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
HB 2400 - PROVIDING ENHANCED PENALTIES FOR SEX CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2456 - ESTABLISHING PROVISIONS FOR DICLOSURE OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT BY APPLICANTS
FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT
This bill appears dead.
HB 2481 - INCREASING MARRIAGE LICENCSE FEES TO FUND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS
Increase fees from Marriage Licenses would be used to create the domestic violence
prevention account, in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from
the marriage license fee must be deposited into the account and only the Department
of Social and Health Services will have authority to make expenditures from
the account. Expenditures from the account will only be used to fund community-based
services for victims of family violence.
In Week Seven, this bill was voted DO PASS by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
It was referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee, where it must be acted
on by 3/2.
SB 6111 - REQUIRING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO ADOPT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE POLICIES.
This bill appears dead.
SB 6159 - PROHIBITING SIGNATURE GATHERING BY SEX OFFENDERS
This bill appears dead.
SB 6170 - LIMITING SUPPRESSION OF INFORMATION ABOUT MISCONDUCT OF SCHOOL DISTRICT
EMPLOYEES
This bill appears dead.
SB 6171 - REGARDING INVESTIGATIONS OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
This bill authorizes the Superintendent of Public Instruction to conduct investigations
of any complaint against a school employee as may be necessary to establish
a violation of any rules, regulations, or personnel policies established by
that employee's school district. Requires that investigations into sexual misconduct
towards a child be completed within a year, and provides monetary penalty for
delay. It also provides for a finding of contempt if any person subpoenaed to
give testimony cannot show cause for refusal to testify.
In Week Seven, this bill was amended and voted DO PASS by the House Education
Cttee. It was referred to the House Appropriations Committee, where it must
be acted on by COB of March 1.
SB 6220 - REGARDING SCHOOL EMPLOYEE DUTY TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR
NEGLECT
(Passed the Senate 48-0; see item under CHILD WELFARE/CHILDRENS ISSUES)
HB 3069 / SB 6443 - PROVIDING PROTOCOLS FOR SERVICES TO VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING
OF HUMANS
Both bills appear dead; also SB 5631, on a similar topic.
SB 6444 - CREATING AN AWARD FOR FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING OR AIDING THE VICTIMS
OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
This bill appears dead.
Budget Items
Domestic Violence advocates sought $4.5 million in the Supplemental Budget,
primarily for shelter and related services, to offset cuts in federal and local
funding, help meet growing need, and to strengthen existing services.
The House Budget includes $1.5 million for this purpose.
The Senate Budget provides $2 million to Enhance Responsiveness of Domestic Violence Programs and meet some of the nearly 35,000 requests for DV services that could not be met last year.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE/TREATMENT
HB 2014 - PREVENTING DENIAL OF INSURANCE FOR INJURIES CAUSED BY NARCOTIC OR
ALCOHOL USE
This bill is carried over from 2003 and re-introduced. It holds that an insurer
may not deny coverage for the treatment of an injury solely because the injury
was sustained as a consequence of the insured's being intoxicated or under the
influence of a narcotic.
This bill was voted DO PASS by the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Cttee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Cttee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
HB 2324 - INCREASING PENALTIES FOR DRIVING OR PHYSICAL CONTROL WHILE UNDER
THE INFLUENCE.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2365 - ALLOWING AN OFFENDER TO ASK THE COURT FOR ADMISSION TO DRUG COURT
This bill appears dead.
HB 2556/ SB 6255 - STUDYING CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESSES.
This bill attempts to deal with the growing number of requests for criminal
background checks - for many types of employment - and the inability of the
system to keep pace. The bill asks the Washington association of sheriffs and
police chiefs, in consultation with the Washington State Patrol, to conduct
a study on criminal background checks. It would focus on how the state can reduce
delays in the criminal background check processing time and how we can make
criminal background checks more accessible and efficient. Their findings and
recommendations will be presented to the legislature no later than 12/31/04.
The Senate bill was voted DO PASS by the House Criminal Justice & Corrections
Cttee. It is now in the House Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor
Action.
The House bill was voted DO PASS by the Senate Children & Family Services
& Corrections Cttee. It is now in the Senate Rules Cttee, to be scheduled
for Floor Action.
Budget Item
The Senate Budget provides $250,000 for the Washington State Mentoring Partnership,
which is a prevention network targeting children and youth. The goal is to obtain
1,000 new mentors per year and increase societal awareness of the benefits of
mentoring.
WELFARE
HB 1704 - ALLOWING LANDLORDS TO RECEIVE DIRECT PAYMENTS OF RENT FOR PEOPLE
ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
This bill appears dead.
HB 3121/ SB 6556 - REVISING THE WASHINGTON TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Both bills appear dead.
SB 5249 - CREATING THE HIGHER EDUCATION FOR LIFELONG PROGRESS PROGRAM (HELP)
This bill appears dead.
SB 5294 - CLARIFYING THE WORK STUDY ASPECT OF "WORK ACTIVITY" UNDER
TANF
This bill appears dead.
SB 5636 - EXEMPTING VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE FROM CERTAIN TANF REQUIREMENTS.
This bill appears dead.
HB 2877/ SB 6524 - REVISING PROVISIONS RELATING TO GUARDIANSHIP OF DEPENDENT
CHILDREN
Both bills appear dead.
ESSB 6559 - REVISING TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES -TANF
This bill appears dead.
Budget Items
The House Budget would not cut GAU - General Assistance for the Unemployable.
The Senate Budget cuts funding for GAU - - by nearly $16 million. This would
be accomplished in two ways. First, they would limit cash and medical assistance
to just 6 months out of 24, to GAU recipients (adults who have proven they have
physical or mental disabilities that render them unemployable). Second, they
would limit to just 12 months in a lifetime, aid to needy refugees and legal
immigrants who are over 65 - but not eligible for federal SSI assistance because
they are not citizens. (About 4,100 would be affected by the first change; another
1,200 by the second.)
The current GAU grant is only $339 a month to meet all needs. For many recipients, losing GAU will likely mean losing shelter, services, and medical coverage (including, in some cases, medications for mentally ill adults).
The House Budget provides $2 million for the LEP - Limited-English-Proficient
-
Pathways Program. This program provides specialized employment services for
refugees and other limited-English-proficiency families and individuals receiving
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, State Family Assistance, or Refugee
Cash Assistance.
Neither budget makes up for the 25% cut made last year in funding for Adult Dental Services for Medicaid patients. Low-income advocates wish to see this funding restored.
MISCELLANEOUS
Policy Watch got questions about the following items. They are listed here FYI; for further information go to www.leg.wa.gov, click on Bill Info. Enter the bill number to read the text.
HJM 4040 - REQUESTING CONGRESS TO PASS A FEDERAL 211 ACT
This Joint Memorial passed the House (96-0). In Week Seven it was voted DO PASS
by the Senate Committee on Children & Family Services & Corrections.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.
HJM 4033 - EXPRESSING CONCERN ABOUT THE USA PATRIOT ACT
This Joint Memorial appears dead.
HJM 4042 - REQUESTING CHANGES IN THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT
This Joint Memorial appears dead.
NOTE: A Joint Memorial is not a bill, but is a message to the President and/or
Congress, asking their attention to a matter of importance to the state.
SB 5869 - AUTHORIZING NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN SELF-INSURANCE
RISK POOLS.
This bill attempts to deal with the problem in obtaining affordable liability
insurance faced by certain nonprofit corporations, e.g., those providing specialized
transportation services to groups with special needs, such as seniors and disabled
persons.The House bill appears dead.
In Week Seven, the Senate bill was voted DO PASS by the House Committee on Financial
Institutions & Insurance. It is now in the House Rules Committee, waiting
to be scheduled for Floor Action.
SB 5697 - MODIFYING INFLATIONARY ADJUSTMENT TO MINIMUM WAGE
This bill appears dead.
HB 2981/ SB 6605 - DECLARING THE EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE TO ESTABLISH
MINIMUM WAGE AND HOUR STANDARDS.
Both bills appear dead.