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Welcome to Policy Watch 2005

WEEK 2

POLICY WATCH is a weekly bulletin about issues and events in Olympia, WA during the 15-week legislative session. It is part of the CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROJECT, an effort to increase involvement in the legislative process through information and advocacy training.

POLICY WATCH has three parts.
PART I: Basic Information for contacting legislators, getting information. Click here for Part I.
PART II: A description of what is happening week by week in Olympia - the process.
PART III: 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

PART II - THE PROCESS WEEK TWO IN OLYMPIA

THE SCENE
For those who found the first week slow, Week Two already reflected a change. There were more citizen lobby days, more visitors to the Capitol, more people listening in on hearings, more of just about everything. It is still relatively relaxed - after all most issues are just getting underway - but this legislative session is definitely underway, and down to serious business.

Plus: the Governor took decisive action to delay the imposition of health premiums for the children of working families and indicated her support of several prescription drug issues; the Speaker of the House outlined fourteen legislative priorities (including jobs, education, health/mental health, accountability); and several Committees moved quickly to take votes on pending bills. And this is only Week Two.

The Process - Work Session and Hearings
People coming to Olympia tend to head first to the big State Library Building - it's the one with lots of glass, perched right behind the Cherberg (Senate offices) and O'Brien (House offices) buildings. That's the place to grab a cup of coffee or breakfast, and spread out at a cafeteria table to make plans, talk strategy, and catch up with the Capitol "regulars."

On the left is a counter staffed by helpful members of the Legislative Information Service, and a wall full of useful handouts - including a growing number in Spanish. Among them are slim blue (or green) LEGISLATIVE MEETING SCHEDULES, spelling out all of the Committee meetings and their plans for that week, and a slim white BILL STATUS pamphlet listing all the bills introduced as of the day before, plus the Committee meetings for that day (some of which will have recent additions or changes).

In these first few weeks, those Committee schedules typically include two types of meetings:
WORK SESSIONS, and PUBLIC HEARINGS.

Work Sessions reflect the fact that ours is a part-time legislature, full of people who are new to the complex issues before the Committees they're assigned to. Work Sessions are arranged by the Committee leaders and Committee staff to act like short "seminars" full of useful information and a kind of road-map to additional resources. They usually focus on a broad topic area - e.g., on School Nutrition, or Health Care Workforce Diversity. The people who make presentations at Work Sessions are people with known expertise who are selected in advance; they often come with prepared statements or PowerPoint presentations. With nineteen new members in the House of Representatives and six new members in the Senate (two of whom are brand new; four previously served in the House), those Work Sessions can be critical in bringing legislators up to speed on a topic.

This week's Legislative Schedule was full of Work Sessions, and each reflected something about the subject matter and the constituencies involved. It is hard to imagine that the legislators present would not be affected by the differences. One Work Session on two topics - School Nutrition, and Childhood Immunizations - found a room full of child advocates, school board members and teachers, representatives from nutritionists, plus the pediatricians and other child health providers, and parents. Meanwhile in another Committee room, a Work Session on Farm Worker Housing had only about a dozen people present - and some of those were legislative staff. After all, low-wage, seasonal farm-workers would find it hard to make the trip, and they don't have multiple professional organizations able to take time off to travel from the more rural areas of the state. The differences in turn-out were hardly the whole story - both sessions attracted people with equally strong feelings on their chosen topic, just unequal ability to produce constituents. (One urban school board member commented after that "…giving children nothing but junk food isn't just bad judgment - it's a form of neglect!" As to the lack of affordable housing for farm-workers, one of those present called it "…frankly criminal.")

Public Hearings are different and just what the name implies: one way that legislators get to hear from the public. They are scheduled to focus on specific bills, not a broad topic, and anyone can testify: you, me, whoever comes to Olympia at the right time. Getting an opportunity to testify on a bill is as simple as signing the sheet on the table inside the Committee room door, and checking the column headed TESTIFY? Y/N. Sometimes there are so many people signed up to testify that a Committee Chair may ask people to just state their name for the record and whether they support or oppose a bill, but most Chairs go out of their way to make time for as many of the public as they can. (Next week's POLICY WATCH will go into more detail on Public Hearings.)

Once a bill has been given a Public Hearing, it becomes eligible for the next step in the process: Executive Session, and this week saw a particularly interesting one. Executive Sessions are opportunities for the members of the Committee to discuss a bill, offer amendments, vote on each amendment in turn, and then vote on the bill - with any amendments that have passed.

Executive Session on Mental Health Parity
This week the 10-member House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance took up House Bill 1154 - a bill to require that mental health insurance coverage be provided at "parity" with physical or surgical health coverage. Some version of Mental Health Parity has been introduced in our legislature for 9 years; we are one of only 17 states that does NOT have some form of Mental Health Parity. Last year a similar bill passed the House but not the Senate. This year its supporters are back, and they are determined to waste no time.

On Monday, the Washington Alliance for the Mentally Ill sponsored its annual Lobby Day - and brought about 150 people to Olympia to talk with their legislators in very personal terms about their experience as individuals or family members of someone with a mental illness. On Tuesday, the Committee which had been assigned responsibility for the bill - Financial Institutions & Insurance - held a Public Hearing on the topic, with testimony from some of the many stakeholders involved. By Thursday, the FI&I Committee had scheduled an Executive Session: they were ready to act on the bill.

To observers in the room, it was clear that this was the very first Executive Session presided over by a brand new Committee Chair. A parliamentarian had been brought in to sit at the staff table and help guide the process, and there were frequent questions from the Chair underscoring that ours is indeed a part-time legislature, and reflecting how new all this was to someone who a few weeks ago was back home in South Tacoma. (E.g., "That doesn't require a vote… right?" or, "I'm confused… which amendments do we vote on?")

Throughout, there were clear differences between the more senior members (who have dealt with mental health parity for several years) and the new legislators (who were still trying to understand both the jargon for this issue and the process overall). One point of tension arose over how fast the bill was moving. The Ranking Minority Member (a Republican, since the Democrats are in the Majority this year) regretted there had not been more time "to prepare our new members," and "get full answers" to their questions. Meanwhile those on the Majority side alluded to the many years the bill had come before the body. The bill's chief sponsor expressed sympathy and went on to say: "I do believe we should not rush to act before we understand the implications, but no one has come to us for any answers… and the one issue raised, concerning the date of implementation -- we responded to that in the bill…."

Perhaps most striking about the discussion is the fact that it revolved around the process, not the issue. Not very many years ago, mental illness carried a stigma that left many untreated and ignored; citizens and legislators alike shied away from even discussing mental illness. It was a sign of how far we've come that this year Republicans and Democrats alike acknowledged the need for such a bill -- despite their differences over particular elements. And there were many signs that the calls, letters, and visits of constituents had left their mark. Legislators from both parties made brief but eloquent remarks: "…this bill is the right thing to do…" "I urge my colleagues to vote 'yes' with enthusiasm…" "…we are already paying for [our lack of treatment] in our jails and suicides and family violence…." "I will oppose this bill because I oppose the way we're handling the bill, but I know it is important in every legislative district in the state…" Finally, the Chair called for a vote and the bill passed out of Committee by a vote of 7 to 2 (1 absent). Next - the bill is expected to come to a vote of the full House soon.

Out in the hall right after the vote, advocates for mental health parity took a very brief moment for congratulations, and then rushed off to line up votes for the day the bill comes to the Floor.

SNAPSHOTS - Week Two
** Not all of the activity around the Capitol involves legislation. One group of Committee staff are engaged in a heated competition for who can take the most steps each day, complete with names (T-Bone, PugWash, SuperDave), and win/loss records on their doors.

** One of this year's interns came to the role with some less-than-flattering preconceptions about politicians. Being in Olympia is changing that. " I've learned there really are a lot of good people here, trying to do good things; gradually, I think I'm getting over my cynicism."

** Among this week's citizen lobbyists were 100+ bikers (the motorcycle variety). Among their issues: mandatory helmets (they're opposed) and two bills they hope to win - one to deal with negative "profiling" of bikers ("We're all just people with families and jobs… I'm here today but so are my mom and dad - and they're both bikers."), and a bill to permit left turns on a red arrow - since sometimes a motorcycle isn't heavy enough to trigger the green arrow.

** For 25 years the developmental disabilities community has hosted a "legislative reception" early in the Session. Every year the Governor was also invited. This year for the first time, the Governor attended. Those present noticed.

** Exchange overheard in a Committee meeting after one member recommended a proposal because Louisiana has a similar law: From an opponent: "I wouldn't think that (Louisiana) is a recommendation for doing anything!" From the Committee Chair: "Normally I'd agree - tho I did vote for their type of primary." From the audience: knowing laughter.

** Every year High School students from Snohomish County develop a bill and come to Olympia to lobby for it (more than one has passed). This year's bill would require a short course in "credit management" before anyone could sign up to get a credit card ("…like we already require Drivers' Ed before you get a driver's license.")

** In the move back into the Capitol, one group lost space: the lobbyists. Known as "The Third House," they used to have a large space with desks, phone booths, and a few shelves. Now the space is about the size of a large walk-in closet, prompting one lobbyist to say: "We won't be spending much time in there." Possibly a mixed blessing for the rest of us….

Gender Watch: Not many years ago more than 40% of our legislators were female. Now the figure is just 33%.


SOME BUDGET-RELATED HEARINGS NEXT WEEK
On Tuesday, 1/25 at 1:30 pm, the SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEEE, will conduct a Work Session on Mental Health Budget issues. Senate Hearing Room 4 - Cherberg Building.

On Wednesday, 1/26, at 1:30 pm, the SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEEE, will devote a second day of Work Session to Mental Health Budget issues. Senate Hearing Room 4 - Cherberg Building.

On Thursday, 1/27 at 3:30 pm, the HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE will hold a Public Hearing on HB 1242 - a bill to FOCUS THE STATE BUDGETING PROCESS ON OUTCOMES AND PRIORITIES. House Hearing Room A - O'Brien Building.

NOTE: It is rumored that the Governor will have her proposed budget done in mid February.

---------------------------

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); the action changes daily.

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

PART III -BILLS/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.

 

 

AGING/LONG-TERM CARE

HB 1041 - REVISING THE NURSING FACILITY MEDICAID PAYMENT SYSTEM.
On Monday, 1/24 at 3:30 pm, this bill is scheduled for a Public Hearing before the House Committee on Appropriations.

HB 1078 - TRANSFERRING THE HOME CARE QUALITY AUTHORITY TO THE DEPT. OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
This bill would establish a Home Care Quality Council to advise DSHS and the Governor.
It is intended to give greater voice to those thousands of seniors and persons with disabilities who live in their own homes, rather than institutional settings such as nursing homes. They get long-term in-home care from individual providers hired directly by them, under the medicaid personal care, community options, or chore services program. The Council would include consumers and make recommendations for standards, accountability, and improved access.
Referred to the House Committee on Health Care. No hearing scheduled yet.

HB 1220 - ESTABLISHING A JOINT LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE TASK FORCE ON LONG-TERM CARE FINANCING AND CHRONIC CARE MANAGEMENT
This bill would create a joint task force composed of key members of the Governor's Cabinet and the Legislature. The joint task force will submit a series of reports and recommendations to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature in 2006 and 2007.
Referred to the House Committee on Health Care. No hearing scheduled yet.

CHILDREN

Work Sessions:
On Monday, 1/24 at 1:30 pm, there will be a Work Session on Dependency before the House Children & Family Services Committee. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.

On Wednesday, at 8:00 am, there will be a Work Session on Early Learning and Literacy jointly before the House Children & Family Services Committee and the House Education Committee. House Hearing Room B, O'Brien Building


HB 1052/ SB 5047 - PREVENTION QUALITY CONTROL COUNCIL
This bill would create a prevention quality council to: 1) Identify state agencies operating or funding prevention programs; 2) Review research finding and recommendations; 3) Identify gaps in available research and make recommendations to the legislature for future research investments; 4) Certify evidence-based prevention programs for state funding; and 5) recommend legislation modifying duties of state agencies to achieve the purposes of this act. Relevant state agencies will submit biennial reports, describe their prevention programs, and the percentage of state funds being expended on evidence-based programs - among other things.
The House bill referred to the House Children & Family Services Committee.
In Week One the Senate bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

HB 1097/ SB 5104 - KEEP KIDS SAFE LICENSE PLATE
Creates a "Keep Kids Safe" license plate to raise money for projects of the Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
Referred to the House and Senate Transportation Committees.

HB 1278 - REGARDING THE INVESTIGATION OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
This bill requires the Department of Social and Health Services to include in its investigation a review of any sibling records, whether the sibling resides in, or visits the home of, the child who was the basis of the complaint, or if there is an imminent risk of harm to the sibling.
Referred to the House Children & Family Services Committee.
SB 5125 - REDUCING HEAVY METALS IN CHILD USE AREA SOILS
This bill intends to create the safe playground soils program, through which technical and financial assistance will be provided by state and local health jurisdictions to the owner and operators of facilities having child use areas that may contain soil with elevated levels of heavy metals. This bill would also encourage testing of the soil in such areas, and require testing in geographic zones at higher risk of soil contamination.
Referred to the Senate Water, Energy & Environment Committee.

SB 5188 - CREATING THE CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND PROTECTION ADVISORY COUNCIL
This bill would establish a 15-member Children's Environmental and Health Advisory Council.
It recognizes that children face many preventable exposures to environmental hazards in their schools, homes, and communities and may be at greater risk than adults. This is due both to their behaviors and to the immaturity of their body organs and immune systems. The bill recognizes also that higher rates of poverty place children of ethnic and minority communities at dis-proportionate risk for environmental exposures due to inadequate housing, poor nutrition, and limited access to health care.
On Monday 1/24 at 3:30 pm, this bill will have a Public Hearing before the Senate Health & Long term Care Committee, in Room 4 of the Cherberg Building.
SB 5189 - REDUCING CHILDHOOD LEAD EXPOSURE
This bill directs the Department of Health to implement a public health education program aimed at reducing childhood exposure to lead in residential settings. Continues efforts to identify areas around the state where lead exposure poses a threat, and requires a special focus on older housing stock, and lead-based paint. Directs the department to seek federal funding for the lead hazards project and releases the Department of this requirement if federal funds are not obtained.
On Monday 1/24 at 3:30 pm, this bill will have a Public Hearing before the Senate Health & Long term Care Committee in Room 4 of the Cherberg Building.

SB 5269 - MAINTAINING THE RESIDENTIAL PARENTING PROGRAM AT THE WOMEN'S CORRECTIONAL CENTER
This requires the Department of Corrections to maintain a residential parenting program at its major correctional institution for women to allow eligible inmates to keep infants with them during their incarceration. The program shall provide an appropriate living situation for the infants, promote positive parenting skills, and facilitate transition back into the community
Referred to the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee.

SB 5308 - CHANGING PROVISIONS RELATING TO MANDATORY REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT
This bill expands reporting requirements. It provides that, when any person - in his or her official supervisory capacity with a nonprofit or for-profit organization - has a reasonable cause to believe a child has suffered abuse or neglect caused by a person over whom s/he exercises supervisory authority, the incident must be reported to the proper law enforcement agency.
Referred to Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee.

SB 5309 - REVISING THE DEFINITION OF "ABUSE OF A SUPERVISORY POSITION"
This bill expands a key definition. It provides that "abuse of a supervisory position" means a direct or indirect threat, or promise to use authority to the detriment or benefit of a minor, or the use of a significant relationship to obtain consent of a minor.
Referred to the Senate Human Service & Corrections Committee.
SB 5311 - CREATING AN AUTISM TASK FORCE
This bill creates a task force to study and make recommendations to the legislature regarding the growing incidence of autism, and ways to improve the delivery and coordination of autism services. The task force will submit its findings to the Legislature and Governor by 12/106.
Referred to the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee.

CHILD WELFARE

HB 1190/ SB 5213 - SUPPORTING LONG TERM SUCCESS OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN BY REMOVING BARRIERS TO TEMPORARY ASSISTANCEFOR NEEDY FAMILIES AND THE WORKFIRST PROGRAM
On Monday, 1/24 at 10:00 am this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Building.

HB 1280-EXTENDING THE KINSHIP CARE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
This bill extends the Kinship Care Oversight Committee and its duties.
Referred to House Children & Family Services Committee.
HB 1281-EXPANDING THOSE WHO CAN GIVE CONSENT FOR MEDICAL CARE FOR MINORS
This bill adds to the list of persons who may give informed consent to medical care for minors, and provides immunity to health care providers and facilities when they rely on a person claiming to be responsible for the care of a minor. This bill intends to assist children in the care of kin, and to help kinship caregivers access appropriate medical care for a child in their care.
Referred to House Children & Family Services Committee.

SB 5053- PARENTING PLANS
This bill concerns the publication of actions to modify or establish parenting plans in cases of legal separation, invalidity of a marriage, and for non-parental custody cases.
Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. No hearing scheduled yet.

DISABILITIES

LANGUAGE NOTE: people not getting services have previously been described as "unserved" - and providing services to them would cost money. Some budget writers are now describing them as "not receiving a paid service" - and treating the issue as cost-free. More than 10,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities are in this category.


HB 1040 - REGARDING THE OPERATION OF HABILITATION CENTERS.
This bill proposes the closure of Fircrest, a state-run institution for people with
developmental disabilities. Referred to the House Committee on Children & Family Services.
No hearing scheduled yet.

HB 1107/SB 5141 - PROVIDING FOR EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES.
This bill would require school districts to provide for early intervention services to all eligible children with disabilities from birth to three years of age, and establish a birth-to-three task force to make recommendations to the Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction for policies, procedures, and regulations for a statewide comprehensive system for all eligible children.
The House bill was referred to the House Committee on Children & Family Services.
The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Early Learning, K-12, and Higher Education. No hearing scheduled yet.

HB 1122 - PROVIDING FOR TRAINING TEACHERS FOR THE DEAF.
This bill would provide an incentive for institutions of higher education to develop curricula, design education and training programs, and use innovative service delivery models for teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing.
On Tuesday, 1/25 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Committee on Higher Education. House Hearing Room C, O'Brien Building.

HB 1328/ SB 5192 ESTABLISHING THE COMPOSITION AND JURISDICTION OF LOCAL DISABILITY BOARDS
The House bill was referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.

HEALTH CARE

HB 1109 - MODIFYING DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA REQUIREMENTS
This bill provides that persons under eighteen are not allowed in the designated smoking area of a bar, tavern, bowling alley, or restaurant, and that employers be required to disclose to a prospective employee that all or a part of the place where the employee would work is a designated smoking area.
Referred to the House Health Care Committee. No hearing scheduled yet.

HB 1123/SB 5029 - REQUIRING SAFE DRINKING WATER IN SCHOOLS.
This bill would require standards for safe drinking water, and for the testing of school water supplies. A report would be made to the legislature biennially, beginning 12/1/07, with any recommendations for legislation that would improve compliance with, or facilitate the enforcement or achievement of, school safe drinking water standards and enforcement.
The House bill was referred to the House Health Care Committee.
In Week One the Senate bill had a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Water, Energy and Environment. Eligible for Executive Session.

HB 1137/ SB 5248 - MODIFYING THE SCOPE OF CARE PROVIDED BY PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
This bill intends that only individuals who meet prescribed standards of competence and conduct should be allowed to engage in the practice of physical therapy.
The House bill was referred to the House Committee on Health Care.
The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.
No hearing scheduled yet.

HB 1166 - INCLUDING ACCESS TO FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES IN GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Referred to the House Committee on Local Government.


On Tuesday, 1/25 at 1:30 pm, there will be a Public Hearing before the House Health Care Committee, dealing with several bills on the purchase of Prescription drugs:
HB 1194 - REGARDING REIMPORTATION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

HB 1219 - AUTHORIZING A PRESCRIPTION DRUG PURCHASING CONSORTIUM

HB 1316 - ALLOWING THE IMPORT OF CERTAIN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM CANADIAN WHOLESALERS
On Friday, 1/28 at 1:30 p.m., all three bills will be eligible for Executive Session.
House Health Care Committee, House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building.


HB 1282/ SB 5306 - REGARDING SEXUAL HEALTH EDUCATION
This bill intends that young people be equipped with the comprehensive, medically accurate, age-appropriate information that they need to protect themselves from unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. It would require every school district that offers sexual health education to incorporate the January 2005 Department of Health/OSPI guidelines for sexual health information and disease prevention. Such education must emphasize abstinence, but in addition to abstinence, sexual health education must teach medically accurate information about the effectiveness of contraceptives and other family planning options.
The House bill was referred to the House Committee on Health Care.
On Monday, 1/24 at 3:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.

HB 1397/ SB 5397 - CHANGING VEHICLE EMISSION STANDARD PROVISIONSS
Popularly described as a transportation-related bill to bring California emission standards to Washington, the bill acknowledges upfront that motor vehicles contribute more than half of all air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, they are also responsible for eighty percent of air toxics emissions, and thus harm public health, the environment, and the economy. This bill is also being watched by groups concerned with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Referred to the House and Senate Committees on Transportation. No hearing scheduled.

SB 5048 - PROHIBITING TOBACCO PRODUCT SAMPLING
This bill finds that tobacco samples contribute to children's access to tobacco products by providing a no-cost initiation that encourages minors to experiment with nicotine at early ages. Tobacco samples are distributed along with other promotional items that contain tobacco brand logos, increasing the appeal of the tobacco products as well as the chances that children will obtain them. It would protect minors from the influence of tobacco sampling by eliminating the distribution of samples in Washington.
In Week Two, this bill got a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. Eligible for Executive Session.

SB 5065 - REQUIRING NOTICE OF POTENTIAL INJURIES RESULTING FROM HEALTH CARE
This bill provides that hospitals shall have policies in place to assure that information about unanticipated outcomes is provided to patients, their families, or any surrogate decision makers.
On Wednesday, 1/26 at 8:00 am this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.

SB 5068 - HEALTH INFORMATION FOR YOUTH
This bill would enhance the health development of young people in Washington state by taking opportunities to provide them with information needed to help reduce rates of teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV infection. It directs the Department of Health to work in consultation with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop guidelines for health information and disease prevention instruction under this act.
On Monday, 1/24 at 3:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.

SB 5114 - PROHIBITING SMOKING WITHIN THIRTY-FIVE FEET OF PUBLIC PLACES
Referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

SB 5149 - REQUIRES DISCLOSURE OF GIFTS BY PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS TO PERSONS WHO PRESCRIBE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.
Referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

SB 5189 - REDUCING CHILDHOOD LEAD EXPOSURE.
This bill directs the department of health to implement a public health education program aimed at reducing childhood exposure to lead in residential settings, continue efforts to identify areas where lead exposure poses a threat to children and families, and provide information, education, and training to areas of concern. It also directs the department to seek federal funding for lead eradication - especially for older housing stock, including lead-based paint.
On Monday, 1/24 at 3:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.


NOTE: The Joint Select Committee on Health Disparities that met over the summer held one Work Session in Week Two - on Health Care Worker Disparity.
The Committee and its staff is pursuing such issues as: opportunities to improve the health status of women and people of color by addressing barriers to gender-appropriate and culturally appropriate health care; ways to address gender, racial, and ethnic composition of the health work force; and the impact of early childhood development on reducing health disparities.

HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS

Work Session:
On Thursday, 1/27 at 10:00 am, there will be a Work Session on Homeless Deaths in King County, and on Supportive Housing for the Homeless, before the House Committee on Housing. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Bldg.


HB 1074/SB 5108 - INCREASING THE ADMINISTRATIVE CAP ON THE HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM
This bill would increase the cap to 5% of annual available funds.
The House bill was referred to the House Committee on Housing.
In Week Two, the Senate bill got a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection.
On Tuesday, 1/25 at 8:00 am, the House bill will get a Public Hearing before the House Housing Committee. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.

SB 5183 - PROVIDING TAX RELIEF TO PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
This bill provides a variety of tax credits to apply to donations, materials, and property involved in the development of affordable housing.
On Tuesday, 1/25 at 3:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection. Senate Hearing Room 2, Cherberg Building.


Capitol Budget Item: HOUSING TRUST FUND.
This fund is the state's largest public funding source for the creation of affordable homes for low income families and individuals. Since its inception it has developed, preserved, or rehabilitated over 25,000 housing units, and leveraged over $1.5 billion in public and private funds. Low income housing advocates are seeking an increase in the Housing Trust Fund to $100 million for the biennium. It is currently set at $80 million.

HUNGER AND NUTRITION

Work Session:
On Thursday, 1/27 at 8:30 am there will be a Work Session on Seniors, and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program before the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development. Senate Hearing Room 3, Cherberg Building.

Budget Item: Emergency Food.
Food banks and other emergency food providers will be seeking additional funds for emergency food purchase, transportation, and education.

 

INCOME SUPPORTS

HB 1173/SB 5069 - ESTABLISHING FAMILY LEAVE INSURANCE
This bill would establish a program of limited income support for a limited period to allow parents to bond with a newborn or newly placed child, and workers to care for seriously ill family members or recover from their own serious health condition. Such a program would reduce reliance on state income support programs by increasing an individual's ability to provide care-giving services for family members while still maintaining an employment relationship.
House bill referred to the House Committee on Commerce & Labor.
Senate bill originally referred to Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection, then re-referred to the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.

HB 1190/ / SB 5213 - SUPPORTING THE LONG-TERM SUCCESS OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN BY REMOVING BARRIERS TO TEMPORARY ASSISTANT FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) and the WORKFIRST PROGRAMS.
The House bill was referred to the House Committee on Children & Family Services.
On Monday, 1/24 at 10:00 am this bill may get a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg building.

JUVENILES/YOUTH

Work Sessions:
On Tuesday 1/25 at 10:00 am, there will be a Work Session on Homeless Youth in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E, O'Brien Building.

On Wednesday 1/26 at 1:30 pm, there will be a Work Session for the Discussion of Domestic Violence issues, including Teenage Domestic Violence Issues in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.


HB 1050 - FOSTER CARE SCHOLARSHIP
This bill would create an endowed scholarship for eligible foster care students to attend an institution of higher learning in Washington State. Matches state dollars from the Higher Education Board with private cash donations.
Referred to the House Higher Education Committee. No hearing scheduled yet.

HB 1058 - MENTAL HEALTH FOR MINORS
This bill authorizes an evaluation and treatment facility to admit for evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment any minor under thirteen years of age for whom application is made by the minor's parent or guardian. The consent of the minor under the age of thirteen is not required. This is a revision of current state law.
On Friday 1/21 at 8:00 am, this bill will have a Public Hearing in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the JL O'Brien Building.

HB 1079/SB 5084 - FOSTER YOUTH EDUCATION
This bill was requested by former Governor Locke, to establish a Foster Youth Post-secondary Education and Training Coordination Committee.
The House bill was referred to House Higher Education Committee.
The Senate bill referred to the Senate Labor, Commerce, Research & Development Cttee.

HB 1082 - MENTAL HEALTH FOR MINORS
This bill is a technical clean-up of the numbering and ordering of current Regulations (RCW's) pertaining to mental health for minors.
On Friday 1/21 at 8:00 am, this bill will have a Public Hearing in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E, in the JL O'Brien Building.

HB 1187 - ELIMINATING MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES FOR YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS TRIED AS ADULTS
This bill finds that emerging research on brain development indicates that adolescent brains and thus adolescent intellectual and emotional capabilities differ significantly from those of mature adults. It is appropriate to take these differences into consideration when sentencing juveniles tried as adults. The bill intends to eliminate the application of mandatory minimum sentences for juveniles tried as adults, and to continue to apply all other adult sentencing provisions to juveniles tried as adults.
Referred to the House Juvenile Justice & Family law Committee.

HB 1279 - REVISING PROVISIONS RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCESS TO CHILDREN IN NEED OF SERVICES AND AT-RISK YOUTH HEARINGS
This bill changes the law to allow courts to conduct these hearings in any venue available to the parents, and allows public access unless the judge finds it detrimental to the child's interests.
Referred to the House Juvenile Justice & Family law Committee.
HB 1282/ SB 5306 - REGARDING SEXUAL HEALTH EDUCATION
This bill requires every school district that offers sexual health education to incorporate the 1/05 guidelines for sexual health information and disease prevention of the Department of Health and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. They must emphasize abstinence, as required by law, except abstinence may not be taught to the exclusion of other methods of preventing teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. In addition to abstinence, sexual health education must teach medically accurate information about the effectiveness of contraceptives and other family planning options.
On Monday 1/24 at 3:30 pm, the Senate bill will have a Public Hearing before the Senate Health & Long term Care Committee, in Room 4 of the Cherberg Building.
The House bill was referred to the House Health Care Committee.

SB 5116 - SKATE PARKS
This bill would require the wearing of helmets in skate parks.
Referred to the Senate Natural Resources, Ocean, and Recreation Committee.
SB 5254 - CREATING THE LEGISLATIVE YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
This bill creates a Legislative Youth Advisory Council to examine issues of importance to youth, including education, employment, employment, strategies to increase youth participation in state and municipal government, safe environments for youth, substance abuse, emotional and physical health, foster care, poverty, homelessness, and youth access to services on a statewide and municipal basis. The council shall advise on youth issues from budget expenditures to policy matters. It will hold meetings and seminars and report annually to the legislature on its activities.
Referred to the Senate Government Operations & Elections.

SB 5257- REVISING PROVISIONS RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH TEATMENT FOR MINORS
When a parent brings his or her minor child to an evaluation and treatment facility to determine whether the child has a mental disorder and is in need of treatment, the treatment provider may not refuse to treat the minor based solely on the minor's lack of consent. A minor who is admitted to treatment under the parent-initiated treatment provisions may not sue the facility or treatment provider based solely on the minor's lack of consent.
Referred to Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee.
SB 5288 - SPECIFYING HOW CUSTODIAL INTERROGATIONS OF JUVENILES MAY BE CONDUCTED
This bill requires that when a law enforcement officer takes a juvenile into custody, the officer must immediately make attempts to notify a parent, guardian, or custodian that the juvenile is in custody, where the juvenile is being held, and of his or her right to consult with the juvenile. Provides that no statement, admission, or confession (written or oral) of a juvenile under the age of 17 years given as the result of custodial interrogation by law enforcement officials is admissible unless the parent, guardian, or custodian were present and all legal conditions were met. Provides that if a juvenile expresses fear or distress at the prospect of notifying the juvenile's parent, guardian or custodian that leads an officer to believe there is a possibility of abuse or neglect, the juvenile may have another interested adult or an attorney present.
Referred to the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee

MENTAL HEALTH

Work Sessions:
On Tuesday, 1/25 at 1:30 pm, the SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEEE will hold a Work Session on Mental Health Budget issues. Senate Hearing Room 4 - Cherberg Building.
On Wednesday, 1/26, at 1:30 pm, the SENATE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEEE, will devote a second day of Work Session to Mental Health Budget issues. Senate Hearing Room 4 - Cherberg Building.


HB 1005 - CREATING A CONSUMER OR ADVOCATE-RUN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM.
This bill recognizes the value in having persons with mental illness, their family members, and advocates involved in designing, implementing, and delivering mental health services (e.g., it reduces unnecessary hospitalizations and incarceration, promotes recovery and employment).
It would permit certain regional support network services to be consumer or advocate-run, such as: Consumer and/or advocate-operated businesses; Clubhouses (e.g., the Fountain House model); Crisis services; Advocacy and referral services; Self-help and peer counseling and support groups; and others.
On Thursday, 1/27 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building.

HB 1082 - MENTAL HEALTH FOR MINORS
This bill is a technical clean-up of the numbering and ordering of current Regulations (RCW's) pertaining to mental health for minors.
On Friday 1/21 at 8:00 am, this bill will have a Public Hearing in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the JL O'Brien Building.

HB 1154 - MENTAL HEALTH PARITY
This bill would require that group health insurance plans provide the same amounts and terms of coverage for mental health services as they do for medical and surgical services. Exempt from this requirement are small businesses (i.e., those with fewer than 50 employees) - but insurers must offer optional mental health coverage to them. The bill would phase in 1/1/06 - 7/1/10.
In Week Two this bill passed out of the Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee with a Do Pass recommendation, by a vote of 7-2.

HB 1290 - MODIFYING COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVISIONS.
This bill concerns funding for the Regional Support Networks.
On Thursday, 1/27 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building.

REVENUES

Work Session:
On Tuesday, 1/25 at 10:00 am, there will be a Work Session to consider what can be learned from the Findings and Recommendations of the Washington State Tax Structure Study; remarks by William H. Gates. House Hearing Room C, O'Brien Building.


HB 1069 - REQUIRING PERFORMANCE AUDITS FOR TAX PREFERENCES
This bill recognizes that tax preferences are enacted to meet objectives in the public interest. However, some tax preferences may not be efficient or equitable tools for achieving public policy objectives. Given the changing nature of the economy and tax structures of other states, periodic performance audits of tax preferences are needed. The bill directs the Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences to develop a schedule for orderly review of tax preferences at least once every ten years.
In Week Two, this bill got a Public Hearing in the House Finance Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.

1094 - ESTABLISHING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS TO MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TAX INCENTIVES
This bill would require beneficiaries of tax incentives to file annual survey information about their business activities, the amount of claimed tax incentives, employment, wages, and employee benefits.
In Week Two this bill got a Public Hearing in the House Finance Committee.

1096 - REQUIRING A TAX EXPENDITURE REPORT AS PART OF THE BIENNIAL BUDGET DOCUMENTS.
There are currently more than 400 tax exemptions available in Washington, including various tax exemptions, exclusions, deductions, credits, deferrals, and preferential rates (also referred to as "tax preferences"). There is already a report every four years describing each exemption, its year of enactment, purpose, primary beneficiaries, and estimated fiscal impact. This bill requires a tax expenditures report as part of the Governor's biennial budget documents, listing all tax exemptions and categorizing each according to the program or function it supports. The Governor will then recommend whether each exemption should be allowed to terminate, continue, or continue with modification.
In Week Two this bill got a Public Hearing in the House Finance Committee.

HB 1299 - REPEALING OUTDATED AND UNUSED TAX PREFERENCES
This bill would update and simplify the tax laws by repealing those tax exemptions, deductions, credits and assorted preferences that are outdated, no longer providing relief, or otherwise useful.
On Wednesday, 1/26 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing before the House Finance Committee. House Hearing Room C, O'Brien Building.

RIGHTS/OPPORTUNITIES

 

Work Session:
On Tuesday, 1/25 at 1:30 pm, a Work Session on Crime & Justice Trends will be held by the House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections. House Hearing Room E.

HB 1080 - PROTECTING DEPENDENT PERSONS
This bill intends to improve protection of dependent persons by changing the crimes of criminal mistreatment, and, abandonment of a dependent person - by adding a new category of responsible persons. To the parent of a child, and a person with custody of a child or other dependent, this bill would add "a person who has assumed the responsibility to provide to a dependent person the basic necessities of life." Like parents and other caretakers, they could be found guilty of the crime of "criminal mistreatment in the fourth degree."
On Thursday, 1/27 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing before the House Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee. House Hearing Room E, O'Brien Bldg. On TVW.

SB 5127 - IMPROVING SERVICES TO VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
This bill would create a work group to develop protocols for delivery of services to victims of human trafficking, report to the legislature by 1/1/06, and establish an award to honor those who fight human trafficking or provide services to the victims
In Week Two this bill got a public hearing before the Senate Committee on Human Services and Corrections. Eligible for Executive Session.

SEXUAL ABUSE/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Work Session:
On Wednesday, 1/26 at 1:30 pm, there will be a Work Session on Domestic Violence Issues, including Teenage Domestic Violence, before the Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E, O'Brien Building.


HB 1147 - COMMUNITY PROTECTION ZONES
This bill provides that within two years each school district shall conduct at least one public hearing regarding the question of whether the district should adopt a written policy on notifying parents and guardians of students attending a school when the school receives a sex offender community notification. The district would make a good faith effort to provide at least fourteen days' advance notice of the meeting to local media, plus all parents and guardians. The bill also
declares that nothing in this shall be interpreted to impose a duty on behalf of the school district to adopt such a policy.
On Friday, 1/28 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections. House Hearing Room E, O'Brien Building.

HB 1294 - REVISING STANDARDS FOR ANTI-HARASSMENT PROTECTION ORDER HEARINGS.
Referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

HB 1314 - CREATING THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACCOUNT
This bill would impose a $10 filing fee for all petitions filed for the dissolution, legal separation, or marriage, to be used for deposit in the domestic violence prevention account.
Referred to the Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee.

SB 5126 - DEVELOPING POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND MANDATORY TRAINING ON SEXUAL HARRASSMENT FOR ALL STATE EMPLOYEES.
On Thursday, 1/27 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.

SB 5148 - REPEALING THE CRIME OF "SLANDER OF A WOMAN"
In Week Two this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Budget Item:
Funds will be sought for domestic violence legal advocacy, non-shelter-based services, and continued funding for the Homeless Families Services Fund.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE/TREATMENT

SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Work Session:
On Thursday, 1/27 at 8:00 am there will be a Work Session on the Costs and Benefits of the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative in the House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections. House Hearing Room E, O'Brien Building.

HB 1200 - ESTABLISHING STANDARDIZED CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY ASSESSMENT PROTOCALS
This bill intends that standardized chemical dependency assessment protocols should be required in court-involved chemical dependency cases to ensure accurate assessments and treatment plans. Assessment protocols should require background information along with a drug screen urinalysis for all assessments with an initial finding of other than substance dependence; a standardized assessment summary should be required in all court-involved assessments.
Referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

SB 5090 - PRIVATIZING THE SALE OF LIQUOR
This bill would close a portion of the state's liquor stores and contract out their operations to private parties.
On Thursday, 1/27 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.

MISCELLANEOUS

(This section will be used to simply note bills or hearings that do not fall within one of the usual PW categories, but where broad interest is known to exist.)

Election Reform/Voting:
On Tuesday, 1/25 at 10:00 am there will be a Public Hearing on SB 5046 (concerning governing ethics complaints) and SB 5140 (concerning the disposal of surplus funds of candidates or political Committees). Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections, Senate Hearing Room 2, Cherberg Building.
On Wednesday, 1/26 at 1:30 pm there will be a Public Hearing on several bills related to voting, signature gathering, candidates statements, etc. House Committee on State Operations & Accountability. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.
On Thursday, 1/27 at 8;00 am, there will be a Public Hearing on SB 5219 (Changing primary dates and associated election procedures) and SB 5122 ( Making the office of Secretary of State a non-partisan office.). Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections, Senate Hearing Room 2, Cherberg Building.


Education:
On Monday, 1/24 at 3:30 pm, there will be a Public Hearing on SB 5191 (providing for a comprehensive k-12 education finance study).
On Wednesday, 1/26 at 8:00 am, there will be a Public Hearing on SB 5144 (Providing for a simple majority of voters voting to authorize school district levies and bonds). Also on TVW. Both hearings are before the Senate Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education. Senate Hearing Room 1, the Cherberg Building.

 

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