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Welcome to Policy Watch 2005

WEEK 4

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 FOUR IN OLYMPIA

THE SCENE
This week there were three events with significance for this year's legislative Session, and the legislature did not control any of them.

• A Chelan County judge ruled that the Court does not have the authority to order a re-vote in the Governor's race. That doesn't mean the issue is settled, only that there will be no re-vote ordered soon.
  
• Governor Gregoire announced that she would not send a budget to the legislature until the mid-March Revenue forecast is available and the budget situation is clearer.
  
• The State Supreme Court ruled that Washington cannot collect estate taxes under state law while the federal estate tax is temporarily suspended. That means the state must repay about $150 million already collected, and cannot collect an estimated $277 million the tax would have generated in the coming biennium. Bottom line: the state's deficit just got $430 million deeper.

The Process - Coming to Olympia
People who've never been to the state Capitol (at least not since a middle-school field trip) tend to think it's going to feel "intimidating," or "scary." Until they actually come, and talk to a few of the super-nice legislative staff or (mostly) very accessible legislators, that feeling holds. One Olympia newcomer - who admitted to starting out with a fair amount of cynicism - described the experience this way.
"I thought they'd be unreachable, but I was pleasantly surprised at the accessibility ordinary people have to lawmakers and the process. You can go into a Committee hearing, then stop in their offices, and next thing you know there's your Representative -- and you shake his hand. Just like that I was having a conversation.
I thought they'd be so hard to get hold of, they'd get from place to place through tunnels and secret committee doors - just to avoid the public. Instead, they were right out in the common spaces where anyone could go up and say hello.
And I thought they'd talk in some kind of technical gobbledegook I wouldn't understand. But I learned when anybody did that - they didn't understand it either! In one Public Hearing I went into, someone was using jargon and one of the legislators said: '…put that in English, please.' I was really surprised - they're not shy to say they're clueless sometime - just like I might be."

But not everyone can get up the nerve (or take the time) to come to the Capitol by themselves, and not everyone has a guide. For many, it feels easier to come the first time as part of a large, friendly group, so their first introduction to Olympia comes in the form of a "Lobby Day." Lobby Days are just what the name implies: a day designated by a particular interest or issue group, to bring focused attention and talk to legislators about their priority issues. There is no one way to host a Lobby Day - they are as different as the groups and people organizing them.

Big Lobby Day
One example this week of a big Lobby Day was the 11th annual Housing Advocacy Day, hosted by the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance and the Washington State Coalition for the Homeless. Year by year it grows and this year they had so many people wanting to come they had to move to a bigger space: United Churches of Olympia, just across Capitol Way from the North end of the Capitol campus. Even with the larger venue, much of the time it was a standing-room-only event for the 350+ advocates for low cost housing who turned up.

Housing Advocacy Day is always one of the most economically diverse gatherings on any low-income issue before the legislature. It doesn't just have big bucks developers or low-income shelter residents - it has plenty of both and everybody in between: homeless families, Real Change (a weekly newspaper) vendors, volunteers and Board members from faith communities, service providers, project donors, bankers, loan officers, local elected officials, and those 3-piece-suited developers. Sprinkled among the crowd were some who know the issue onlyfrom personal experience and others who have as much (or more) expertise on the issue as the legislators and Committee staff. It's an amazing event.

This year was especially upbeat for a couple of reasons. Early on they were joined by the Chair of a newly-established House Committee on Housing. Until now, housing issues were always taken up in the same Committee that dealt with banking, insurance, and related issues; in that setting, just getting attention for low cost housing was a challenge. But this year the House leadership established a separate Housing Committee - to give the issue more focused attention. When the Committee's first Chair arrived at the lobby day, he was greeted with cheers. Plus, there was a sense in the air that some of their priority issues just might pass.

Participants spent most of the morning with briefings on their legislative priorities, poetry (e.g., one written by a child whose family is living in a shelter), music (by a group that included a woman who ran her own travel agency until she was injured in an accident… and wound up homeless), and the business of the day: talking individually with legislators about the group's priority issues.

Midway through the morning, the group divided in two -- experienced people went to one room to talk strategy with the professional lobbyists, while those who were brand new to the Capitol got some tips for their first-ever visits with legislators. But they all got back together for the 100+ legislative visits scheduled in advance by the Lobby Day organizers. Every one of the 49 Senators and 98 Representatives had been asked for appointments, and most had agreed to meetings with visitors from their Districts. If a legislator's schedule was already full, participants were encouraged to just "drop-in" and leave a note. By day's end, all 49 Senators' and 98 Representatives' offices had been visited by someone who cares about housing.

Lobby Days are valuable because they make it possible to reach many legislators at once with a common message, but they are also valuable in terms of sheer visibility. Throughout the day the presence of the group could be felt: three "heavy hitters" carrying on an earnest corridor conversation with a prominent Senator; a line of senior citizens - 2 and 3 deep in most places - filling the corridor outside a Public Hearing on a housing topic; the crowded press event at the sun dial between the House and Senate office buildings; the simple fact that it was almost impossible to go anywhere on the campus without seeing the group's conspicuous stickers that read: "$100 million for the Housing Trust Fund!"

The net effect of a big lobby day can be felt in many ways, and some are particularly important for low-income non-profit health and human service issues - because those groups don't have as many lobbyists in Olympia as the for-profit businesses and well-heeled groups. Big lobby days serve to make legislators and legislative staff aware that these low-income issues also have supporters, also have people who are paying attention to the process and able to speak from direct experience.

For the lobby day participants a day like this can also be a terrific boost to morale - especially for those who come from smaller communities or from populations that don't always get public support and respect. As one new HAD participant put it: "…most days it feels like nobody cares that I work and work but still can't find a place to live I can afford. Then I come here, and - BAM! All around me there's all these people. …just like me some of them, but lots of others who came just because they care. It's a real rush!"

Mini-Lobby Days
Some groups approach lobby days differently. Instead of one big day (or sometimes in addition), they host several "mini-lobby days" with groups that range from a few individuals to maybe a few dozen. One such group was in Olympia this week: four licensed child care providers who came all the way from Spokane. They were part of an on-going effort by the Service Employees International Union - SEIU - local 925 to help child care providers from around the state bring their issues directly to Olympia and their elected officials. This "mini day" involved no rally, no press events, no crowded church hall; just four women and their guide, keeping appointments with their Senators and Representatives. Their issues often sound oddly dry - e.g., whether the reimbursement rates paid by the state for the children in subsidized care are high enough for them to survive, but low enough for low-earning working parents to afford. Put that way, it sounds like an issue about ratios/statistics/numbers. These four women "put a face on the numbers." And what a face it is. One of the women holds three jobs - to make up for the fact that no one of her jobs pays enough to support her family. Another offers child care in her home, has a second job, plus two teenagers of her own… and a husband who just learned he's being deployed to the Middle East. Yet another laughed at the question of what hours she works: "pretty much 24/7" was the answer - because she takes the children of parents who work swing shifts and odd hours at hospitals and other 24-hour workplaces. All are licensed for 12 children at any one time; most have twice that number in their care during any week - simply because their parents often can only get part-time work when they need work full-time, or one spouse can be home part of the time but child care is needed to fill in the gaps.

To legislators who can afford to take off 9 weeks one year and 15 weeks another just to serve in the legislature, or whose spouses earn enough to support them, the economic lives of people like these women might never be appreciated, or even known if it weren't for "mini-lobby days." But when the time comes for decisions about child care reimbursement rates, it's hoped that the women and their stories will be remembered - and help tip the balance on a critical vote.

Practical Tip. If you can't come to Olympia to join in a lobby day on an issue you care about, two groups of social workers - one in Spokane, the other in the Tri-Cities - have an idea for you. They want to be part of the 2/21 combined Social Work Lobby Day/Have A Heart for Children Day, but can't make the trip. So they're organizing a "Call-In Day," and asking their members to use the toll-free line (1-800-562-6000) for a variant on this simple message. "I wasn't able to come physically to Olympia for the ______ Lobby Day today, but I'm there in spirit. Please support (mention your group's priority issue)___."

SNAPSHOTS.
** It's not all partisan, or politics. One of the first bills passed by the Democrat-controlled Senate has a Republican, Senator Bob Oke, as its prime sponsor. Oke, who has cancer, offered SB 5048 (which would ban the distribution of tobacco product samples) to spare youth from the devastating effects of smoking. It got a strongly bi-partisan vote.

** The Chair of the Human Services Committee, Senator Hargrove, complemented a baby who came with his mother and sat peacefully - sucking on a "binkie" while his mother testified. Noting that some of his Committee colleagues were not always as well-behaved, the Senator suggested that perhaps some legislators on the Committee could use "binkies."

** It's a little-known fact: if you want to get from the O'Brien Building (where most Repre-sentatives have their offices) to the Cherberg Building (where about half the Senators have their offices) you could avoid bad weather by going down to the basement and going through the tunnel. Along the way, you'd also see the offices for the Democrat and Republican caucus staff.

** More Olympia jargon. One bill is estimated to have a cost of just $25,000, an amount so small in relation to the $26 billion budget that someone referred to it as "budget dust."

Gender Watch: This year eight of the House's twenty Committees are Chaired by women.

PART III - SOME ISSUES

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

• Aging/Long-Term Care
  
• Children's Issues
  
• Child Welfare
  
• Disabilities
  
• Health
• Income Supports/Welfare
  
• Housing/Homelessness
  
• Hunger and Nutrition
  
• Juveniles/Youth
  
• Mental Health
• Revenues/Tax Policy
• Rights/Opportunities
  
• Sexual Abuse/Domestic Violence
  
• Substance Abuse
  
• 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.

AGING/LONG-TERM CARE

Work Session:
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 8:00 am, the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee will hold a Work Session on Long-Term Care in Washington State. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building. Also on TVW.

HB 1041 - REVISING THE NURSING FACILITY MEDICAID PAYMENT SYSTEM.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing before the House Committee on Appropriations. Eligible for Executive Session.

HB 1078 - TRANSFERRING THE HOME CARE QUALITY AUTHORITY TO THE DEPT. OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
An alert reader noted that the description of this bill in Week 3 was not correct.
This bill would change the role of a board that was established in 2001, which included consumers of both private and publicly funded in-home care services, plus representatives from the State Council on Aging, Area Agency on Aging, Governor's Committee on Disabilities and Employment Issues and the Developmental Disabilities Council. At issue are matters affecting seniors and persons with disabilities who live in their own homes, rather than institutional settings such as nursing homes, who get long-term in-home care from individual providers hired directly by them, under the medicaid personal care, community options, or chore services program. This bill would reduce the consumer operated, policy development board to an advisory capacity, and does not provide for policy and rule development by the board - as is currently the case. It apparently stems from a desire by Governor Locke's staff to reduce the number of boards and commissions.
The House bill was referred to the House Committee on Health Care

Prescription Drugs
In Week Four, there was an Executive Session before the House Health Care Committee, on bills dealing with the purchase of Prescription drugs. They were voted DO PASS and
Referred on to the House Appropriations Committee.
On Monday, 2/7 at 3:30 pm, there will be a Public Hearing in the House Appropriations Committee (House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building) on four prescription drug bills:
HB 1168 - AUTHORIZING THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO REGULATE NONRESIDENT CANADIAN PHARMACIES.

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

HB 1220/ SB 5442 - ESTABLISHING A JOINT LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE TASK FORCE ON LONG-TERM CARE FINANCING AND CHRONIC CARE MANGE'T
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.
On Wednesday, 2/9 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.

HB 1571/ SB 5569 - REVISING THE NURSING FACILITY PAYMENT SYSTEM.
The House bill was referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 8:00 am, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building.

SB 5277 - REQUIRING PLANS THAT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR PROSTHESES TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR HEARING AIDS.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES

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; 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.
In Week One the Senate bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections.
On Thursday 2/10 at 1:30 pm, the House bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Children & Family Services Committee in House Hearing Room D in the O'Brien Building. Also on TVW.

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.
House bill referred to the House Transportation Committee.
On Thursday 2/10 at 1:30 pm, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee in Hearing Room 1 in the Cherberg Building. Also on TVW.

HB 1178- ENSURING THE RIGHTS OF PARENTS TO MONITOR THE COMMUNICATIONS AND CONVERSATIONS OF THEIR MINOR CHILDREN
This bill would change state privacy laws to allow parents to monitor their minor children's communications without legal restriction or penalty.
In Week Four this bill got a Public Hearing before the House Judiciary Committee.

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.
In Week Four, this bill got a Public Hearing in the House Children & Family Services Committee.

HB 1605 - PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM AREA WIDE SOIL CONTAMINATION
This bill finds that emissions from certain industrial practices have contributed to arsenic and lead soil contamination covering dispersed areas in the state. Seeks to establish through the relevant state departments an area wide soil contamination school and child care facility certification program for schools and child care facilities within area wide soil contamination zones to reduce the risk of exposure.
Referred to the House Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks 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 that higher rates of poverty place children of ethnic and minority communities at greater risk for environmental exposures due to poor housing, poor nutrition, and limited access to health care.
In Week Two, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Health & Long term Care Cttee.
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.
In Week Two, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Health & Long term Care Cttee.

SB 5269 - MAINTAINING THE RESIDENTIAL PARENTING PROGRAM AT THE WOMEN'S CORRECTIONAL CENTER
This bill 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.
On Monday 2/7 at 10:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Human Services & Corrections Cttee. Senate Hearing Room 1 in the Cherberg Building. Also on TVW.

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.
In Week Four this bill got a Public Hearing in 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 12/06.
Referred to the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee.

SB 5350 - SHARED PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
This bill creates a presumption that (with few exceptions) shared parenting is in a child's best interest when a parenting plan is being developed as part of a divorce proceeding. Domestic violence advocates are concerned because domestic violence victims are often not represented in family law situations, and there may be issues of potential future abuse in a shared parenting arrangement that may not be taken into account.
Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SB 5633 - REVISING PROVISIONS RELATING RETENTION OF INFORMATION CONCERNING UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
This bill amends the time that the Department of Social and Health (DSHS) services can maintain files for unfounded referrals or reports of child abuse and neglect - from six years to one year. It also establishes that if DSHS does not comply, aggrieved persons could institute proceedings in the Superior Court for the county in which the person lives in.
On Tuesday 2/8 at 10:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Human Services & Correction Committee in Hearing Room 1 in the Cherberg Building

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
This bill would allow the State to opt out of some of the federal restrictions to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Under these provisions, individuals who would have been ineligible to receive TANF benefits (through WorkFirst) because of a drug related felony conviction, or lack of drug assessment or treatment, would now be eligible for benefits.
In Week Two, the Senate bill was heard in the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee.
On Tuesday 2/8 at 10:00 am, this bill will have an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice & Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.

HB 1280 - EXTENDING THE KINSHIP CARE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
This bill extends the Kinship Care Oversight Committee and its duties.
On Tuesday 2/8 at 10:00 am, this bill will have an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice & Family Law Committee, in Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.
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.
On Tuesday 2/8 at 10:00 am, this bill will have an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice & Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.
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HB 1391 - ESTABLISHING A WORK GROUP TO STUDY SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN
This bill directs the Department of Social and Health Services to establish a work group to study the regulation of services and programs for children provided by licensed child care providers and programs provided by local governments across the state.
In Week Four this bill got a Public Hearing in House Children & Family Services Cttee.

HB 1403/ SB 5053 - AUTHORIZING SERVICE BY PUBLICATION IN ACTIONS TO ESTABLISH OR MODIFY PARENTING PLANS FOR LEGAL SEPARATION OR INVALIDITY OF MARRIAGE, AND FOR NON-PARENTAL CUSTODY
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.
The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
On Wednesday 2/9 at 1:30 pm, the House bill will get an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice & Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.

HB 1426/ SB 5407 - ESTABLISHING AN INTERAGENCY PLAN FOR CHILDREN OF INCARCERATED PARENTS
This bill creates an interagency plan to coordinate and expand existing services for these families to improve the well-being of children of incarcerated parents, over both the short and long term.
On Tuesday 2/8 at 10:00 am, the House bill will have an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice & Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building..
In Week Three, the Senate bill got both a Public Hearing and had an Executive Session in the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. It was voted DO PASS and is now in the Senate Rules Committee waiting to be brought to the Senate Floor for a vote.

HB 1467 - REQUIRING MANDATORY REPORTING OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF A CHILD WHEN DISCOVERED BY A PERSON CONNECTED WITH SPECIFIED NON-PROFIT ENTITIES.
This bill is very similar to SB 5308, however it only includes a person who is an employee, contractor, or volunteer of a nonprofit. (SB 5308 includes both for-profits and non-profits.)
On Monday 2/7 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public hearing in the House Children & Families Committee. House Hearing Room D in the O'Brien Building.
HB 1482 - REVISING PROVISIONS ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
This bill modifies the statutory definitions of abuse or neglect, and negligent treatment or maltreatment; it modifies language around the Department of Social and Health Services' duty to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect. Additionally, if (following an investigation) the child's parents, guardian, or legal custodians volunteer to address the concerns raised by the investigation, e.g., through participation in needed services and treatment, the Department may agree to let the child remain in the home. If the parents refuse to accept - or fail to obtain - appropriate treatment or services, the Department may initiate a dependency proceeding.
On Monday 2/7 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public hearing in the House Children & Families Committee. House Hearing Room D in the O'Brien Building.

HB 1663 - CREATING THE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION INVESTMENT COUNCIL
This bill creates a council to direct and support the following: (1) The investment of state resources in evidence-based prevention and intervention programs in the state; and (2) ongoing research and evaluation of sound, theory-based prevention and intervention programs - with the goal of expanding the number and type of available evidence-based programs.
On Thursday 2/10 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Children & Family Services Committee. House Hearing Room D in the O'Brien Building.

SB 5666 - REGARDING INFORMATION SHARING IN CHILD DEPENDENCY CASES
In order to aid in the prevention of tragic deaths of children in the child welfare system, those responsible for making placement decision in cases of child abuse or neglect should have the relevant evidence available to them to aid them in making placement decisions that will best protect the safety and welfare of the child.
On Tuesday 2/8 at 10:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1 in the Cherberg Building

CIVIL RIGHTS

DISABILITIES

LANGUAGE NOTE: people not getting services have previously been described as "unserved" - words that made clear 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.

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.
In Week Three, the House bill got a Public Hearing and Executive Session, and was voted Do Pass by the House Committee on Children & Family Services.
It has been referred on to the House Appropriations Committee.
In Week Three, the Senate bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Cttee on Early Learning, K-12, and Higher Education. Eligible for Executive Session.

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.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing and Executive Session, and was voted Do Pass by the House Committee on Higher Education.
It has now been referred on to the House Committee on Appropriations.

HB 1328 - ESTABLISHING THE COMPOSITION AND JURISDICTION OF CITY AND COUNTY DISABILITY BOARDS.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the House Appropriations Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.

HB 1416 - EXPANDING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CASELOAD FORECAST COUNCIL
Unlike other services within the Department of Social & Health Services, developmental disability programs are not included in the state's caseload forecast. This affects the ability to plan for changes and trends in caseload growth and understates the unmet need for services that are preventative, community-based and cost efficient.
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations. No hearing scheduled yet.

HB 1519 - CREATING A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COMMUNITY TRUST ACCOUNT
This bill directs that proceeds from the disposal of excess Residential Habilitation Center (RHC) property at Rainier, Yakima and Lakeland Village. This bill is NOT related to Fircrest, and does not have any impact on current RHC operations, or the clients at any of the state's five institutions for people with developmental disabilities. (Note: there is a second house bill with a similar purpose; it may be considered either in addition, or instead.)
On Thursday, 2/10 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing before the House Capital Budget Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building.

HB 1587 - REGARDING CAPITAL FACILITIES AT THE RAINIER SCHOOL.
This bill would remove Washington State University's control over the Rainier property and leave it under the ownership of the Department of Social and Health Services.
On Thursday, 2/10 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing before the House Capital Budget Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building.

SB 5311 - CREATING AN AUTISM TASK FORCE
This bill would establish the Caring for Washington Children with Autism 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 in the state.
Referred to the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee.

SB 5349 - CREATING A DYSLEXIA READING INSTRUCTION PILOT PROGRAM
This bill is concerned with early identification and treatment (including proper diagnosis, appropriate instruction, etc) as the key to helping dyslexics succeed in school and life. It requires (but only if funds are available) the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee - JLARC, to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the identification of students with dyslexia and the effectiveness of the educational services received by students with dyslexia.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Early Learning, K-12, and Higher Education. Eligible for Executive Session.

HEALTH CARE

Work Session:
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 1:30 pm, the Senate Ways & Means Committee will hold a Work Session on Low Income Medical Assistance Issues. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Bldg.

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.
In Week One the Senate bill had a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Water, Energy and Environment. Eligible for Executive Session.
On Friday, 2/11 at 1:30 pm, the House bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building. Also on TVW.

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.
On Tuesday, 2/8 at 1:30 pm, the House bill is scheduled for Executive Session in the House Committee on Health Care. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building.
In Week Three, the Senate bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care. Eligible for Executive Session.

HB 1166 - INCLUDING ACCESS TO FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES IN GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Referred to the House Committee on Local Government. No hearing scheduled yet.

Prescription Drugs
In Week Four, there was an Executive Session before the House Health Care Committee, on bills dealing with the purchase of Prescription drugs. They were voted DO PASS and
Referred on to the House Appropriations Committee.

On Monday, 2/7 at 3:30 pm, there will be a Public Hearing in the House Appropriations Committee (House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building) on four prescription drug bills:
HB 1168 - AUTHORIZING THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO REGULATE NONRESIDENT CANADIAN PHARMACIES.

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

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 guidelines for sexual health information and disease prevention of the department of health and the office of the superintendent of public instruction. Such education must emphasize abstinence, but exclusively; in addition to abstinence, sexual health education must teach medically accurate information about the effectiveness of contraceptives and other family planning options.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care. Eligible for Possible Executive Session.
On Tuesday, 2/8 at 1:30 pm, the House bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Committee on Health Care.

HB 1371 - MODIFYING THE NURSE MANDATORY OVERTIME PROHIBITION
This bill would increase the types of health care facilities that are subject to the prohibition from requiring nurses to perform overtime work, and limiting the exceptions from the prohibition related to prescheduled on-call time and the completion of patient care procedures. Among the "facilities" to be added are those owned and operated by the Department of Corrections, or by a governing unit in a correctional institution that provides health care services to inmates, among other round-the-clock facilities. Thus it is expected to affect nurses working in such public facilities as county jails.
On Wednesday, 2/10 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing before theHouse Commerce & Labor Committee. House Hearing Room C, O'Brien Building.

HB 1388 - LIMITING THE USE OF HIGH HAZARD PESTICIDES ON SCHOOL FACILITIES.
The issue of pesticide use in schools is especially important to children with asthma, allergies, or sensitivities to the chemicals being used.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the House Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.

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 Committees on Transportation. No hearing scheduled.
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 3:30 pm, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing before the Senate Cttee on Transportation. Senate Hearing Room 4, Cherberg Building. Also on TVW.

HB 1427 - ORDERING A PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ON POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION.
The bill stems from concern that postpartum depression is a serious condition affecting women of all ages, economic status, and racial and ethnic backgrounds, which can be treated with medication and counseling. If untreated, postpartum depression can lead to further depression, self-destructive behavior, or even suicide, as well as child abuse, neglect, or death of the infant or other siblings. The bill would provide for a council to conduct a proactive, public information and communication outreach campaign concerning the significance, signs, and treatment of postpartum depression. It may include production and distribution of a brochure and communication by electronic media, telephone hotlines, and parenting education events.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the House Health Care Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.

HB 1441 - PROVIDING ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE FOR CHILDREN.
This bill is prompted by the fact that since 2003, over 62,000 children have lost health coverage they had under Medicaid in Washington state. A recent Governor's Executive Order will help, but legislation is still needed. Supporters of the bill are working with Committee members for amendments to improve the coverage provided, e.g., to immigrant children.
On Tuesday, 2/8 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building.

HB 1494 - IMPROVING DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE TO SCHOOL CHILDREN
This bill intends to deal with the shortage of school nurses with appropriate expertise in Washington schools. Beginning with the 2006-07 school year, it would require that each class I school district maintain a ratio of at least one school nurse for every two thousand full-time equivalent students. Beginning in the 2008-09 school year, each class I school district shall maintain a ratio of at least one school nurse for every one thousand five hundred full-time equivalent students.
On Friday, 2/11 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building. Also on TVW.

HB 1516 - INCREASING ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN THROUGH THE "KIDS GET CARE" SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL
This bill is based on a model currently being used in three counties to provide integrated preventive medical, oral, and developmental health services to young children. It reduces the need for hospitalization, caries treatment, and developmental interventions, and expands the use of evidence-based preventive measures in community health centers and private medical practices treating low-income children. Funds provided for in the bill would be used to develop and implement best practices in preventive health care for children statewide.
On Tuesday, 2/8 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building.

HB 1656 - DEFINING ABSTINENCE EDUCATION AND COMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION FOR K-12 STUDENTS.
This bill finds that entities promoting or teaching abstinence education must verify compliance required by federal law. School districts and their community committee members are free to determine the type and content of sex education programs used in their district. The stated intent is to help parents clearly identify the type of education being taught, assist community committee members in selecting the best materials to comply with school district policy, and support teachers in complying with their school district policy.
Referred to the House Committee on Health Care.

HB 1702/ SB 5637 - CREATING THE 'HEALTH CARE RESPONSIBILITY ACT' TO EXPAND ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
This bill would require employers of 50 or more to take responsibility for providing basic, affordable health insurance to their employees. Employers would have a choice: they can purchase basic coverage for employees who work more than 86 hours/month, or pay a fee to help expand public insurance programs for the uninsured. Employers would not be required to cover dependents, and employees are expected to pay a portion of their monthly premiums.
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.

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. This bill would protect minors from the influence of tobacco sampling by eliminating the distribution of samples in Washington.
This bill passed the Full Senate by a vote of 38-9.
It has been sent over to the House and referred to the House Health Care Committee.

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.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. Eligible for Possible Executive Session.

SB 5068 - PROVIDING 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.
This bill was referred to the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee.

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.
In Week Four, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care. Eligible for Executive Session.

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.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care. Eligible for Possible Executive Session.

SB 5451 - MODIFYING EXCISE TAXATION OF COSMETIC MEDICAL SERVICES
This bill would add elective cosmetic surgery and related services to the list of items eligible for taxation. "Cosmetic medical services" means any medical procedure performed on an adult that is directed at improving a person's appearance and which does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. The tax collected under this change would then be deposited into the health services account, and used to pay for children's health care services.
In Week Four, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.

SB 5722 - CONCERNING SMALL EMPLOYERS AND THE BASIC HEALTH PLAN.
This bill concerns small employers wishing to offer group coverage on behalf of themselves and their employees, spouses, and dependent children who reside in an area served by the plan. Coverage would not be conditioned on the small group enrollees meeting the eligibility requirements for subsidized enrollees, or be required to report total household income of their employees as a condition of receiving group coverage. Premiums due from small employers participating in the plan would be equal to the cost charged by the managed health care system to the state for the plan plus the administrative cost of providing the plan.
Referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS

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.
In Week Three, the House bill got a Public Hearing before the House Committee on Housing. Eligible for Possible Executive Session.
At the end of Week Three, the Senate bill was voted DO PASS by the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection.
It has been referred on to the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.

HB 1235 - REQUIRING CONSULTATION BETWEEN COUNTIES, CITIES, AND TOWNS BEFORE SITING HOMELESS CAMPS.
The bill would require that before one jurisdiction can agree to the siting of a homeless encampment that is even partially within a city or town, shares a common boundary with a city or town, or is within one thousand feet of a city or town boundary, they must consult with the those cities or towns at least fifteen days prior. During the Public Hearing members expressed a need to clarify the meaning of the word "consult."
On Thursday, 2/10 at 10:00 am this bill is scheduled for Possible Executive Session in the House Committee on Housing. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.

HB 1583/ SB 5577 - MAKING AVAILABLE RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO TENANTS
This bill would establish a process by which displaced tenants would receive funds for relocation from landlords who fail to provide safe and sanitary housing after due notice of building code or health code violations. It would also provide enforcement mechanisms to cities, towns, counties, or municipal corporations - including the ability to advance relocation funds to tenants who are displaced as a result of a landlord's failure to remedy building code or health code violations, and later to collect these relocation funds, along with interest and penalties, from landlords.
On Tuesday, 2/8 at 8:00 am, the House bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Committee on Housing. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 3:30 pm, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection. Senate Hearing Room 2, Cherberg Building.

HB 1585 - AUTHORIZING STANDARDS FOR HOUSING FOR PERSONS WHO ARE TEMPORARILY HOMELESS.
This bill stems from concern that homeless persons are vulnerable to exploitation as low-wage laborers. In 1995, the legislature recognized that the circumstances of another group of exploited low-wage laborers - migrant agricultural workers - necessitated the creation of standards for temporary worker housing to prevent those workers from being forced into unsafe and unsanitary housing. This bill is an effort to do the same for homeless workers. It would establish a clear and concise set of regulations for temporary housing and encampments for homeless persons, substantially equivalent to those provided for temporary worker housing.
On Thursday 2/10, at 10:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Committee on Housing. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.

HB 1629 - REVISING DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS FOR OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE OF VERY LOW-INCOME HOUSING PROJECTS
This bill was sought by housing advocates to help housing in areas of limited resources.
On Tuesday, 2/8 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Committee on Housing. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.

HB 1640/ SB 5660 - PROVIDING A DISPUTE MECHANISM FOR MANUFATURED/MOBILE HOME LANDLORD AND TENANT DISPUTES
This bill recognizes that taking legal action against a park owner for violations of the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act can be a costly and lengthy process, and many people cannot afford to go into court to protect their rights. Park owners would also benefit from a process that resolves disputes quickly and efficiently. The bill would provide a mechanism for state authorities to quickly locate owners of manufactured housing communities, and authorize the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development to register mobile home parks or manufactured housing communities, conduct investigations, issue citations, issue cease and desist orders, and impose fines for violations of the Act.
On Thursday 2/10 at 10:00 am, the House bill will get a Public Hearing before the House Committee on Housing. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 3:30 pm, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection. Senate Hearing Room 2, Cherberg Building.

SSB 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.
In Week Four a Substitute (much amended) bill was voted DO PASS by the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection.
It was referred on to the Senate Committee on Ways & Means.

HB 1057/ SB 5051 - CAPITAL BUDGET, 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.
The House bill was referred to the House Capital Budget Committee.
The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

HUNGER AND NUTRITION

HB 1593/ SB 5597 - FUNDING FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAMS
The farmers market nutrition programs serve many good purposes. They: promote health, alleviate hunger, prevent obesity, and encourage the purchase of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables - and thus support small farmers and rural economies. Low income women with children and low-income and homebound seniors alike benefit, through farmers markets, congregate meals sites, and senior housing. This bill would provide $1,150,000 to support these programs.
The House bill was referred to the House Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade.
On Tuesday, 2/8 at 10:00 am, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing in the Agriculture & Rural Economic Development Committee. Senate Hearing Room 3, Cherberg Building.

HB 1771 - REQUIRING SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS IN CERTAIN SCHOOLS
This bill would require that school districts implement a school breakfast program in each school where more than forty percent of students eligible for the school lunch program qualify for free or reduced-price meals by the school year 2005-06. This would ensure that breakfast is available in schools with large concentrations of low-income children.
Referred to the House Education Committee. No hearing scheduled yet.

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/WELFARE

Work Sessions:
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 8:00 pm, there will be a Work Session on Child Care Licensing before the House Children & Family Services Committee. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building

HB1173/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.
In Week Four, the House bill got a Public Hearing in the House Committee on Commerce & Labor. Eligible for Executive Session.
In Week Four, the Senate bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Cttee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. Eligible for Executive Session.

HB 1189 - PROVIDING RELIEF FOR INDIGENT VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
The bill would require counties to establish veterans' assistance programs to help qualifying local indigent veterans and their families, and a veterans' advisory board to give advice on the needs, resources, and available programs - including help with burial funds.
On Thursday 2/10 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Committee on Local Government. House Hearing Room E, O'Brien Building.

HB 1190/ SB 5213 - SUPPORTING LONG TERM SUCCESS OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN BY REMOVING BARRIERS TO TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) AND THE WORKFIRST PROGRAM
This bill would allow the State to join fourteen other states and opt out of one of the federal restrictions to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Under this change, individuals who would have been ineligible to receive TANF benefits (through WorkFirst) because of a drug-related felony conviction, or lack of drug assessment or treatment, would now be eligible to receive these benefits. No other felony conviction (rape, murder, assault) results in the loss of eligibility for TANF, and the disqualification particularly harms the children of former felons and victims of domestic violence.
In Week Two, the Senate bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. Eligible for Possible Executive Session.
On Monday 2/7 at 1:30 pm, The House bill is scheduled for Executive Session in the House Children &Family Services Cttee in House Hearing Room D in the JL O'Brien Building.

HB 1408/ SB 5469 - CREATING AN INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT PROGAM
This bill is also known as the Saving Earning and Enabling Dreams (SEED) Act. The bill would provide for an IDA program within DCTED - the Department of Community Trade & Economic Development. Individual Development Accounts are savings accounts that encourage people with lower incomes to save, invest, and build assets. Eligible individuals include low-income individuals (someone whose household income is equal or less than either: 80 percent of the median family income, adjusted for household size; or 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.) and foster youth (someone 15 years of age or older who is a dependent of the Department of Social and Health Services -DSHS; or is at least 15 years of age, but not more than 23 years of age, who was a dependent DSHS for 24 months after age13.)
Community agencies partner with banks and financial institutions to create accounts and give account-holders financial training. Each dollar saved by account-holders is matched by the state. The account can be tapped for limited purposes, e.g., to buy a home, finance a higher education, start a small business, and for certain emergencies. Washington currently has a limited IDA program for people eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) that is funded through the welfare budget. That funding expires in June 2005 and the program will end unless the legislature takes action.
In Week Four the House bill got a Public Hearing before the House Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade Cttee. Eligible for Executive Session.
On Tuesday, 2/8 at 3:30 pm, the Senate bill is scheduled for Executive Session in the Senate Cttee on International Trade & Economic Development. Senate Hearing Room 3, Cherberg Building.

HB 1570 - CREATING THE WASHINGTON VOLUNTARY ACCOUNTS PROGRAM
This bill stems from concern that many workers do not have access to an employment-based retirement plan. Workers who are unable to build up pensions and savings risk living on low incomes in their old age and are more likely to become dependent on state services. The bill would create a Washington Voluntary Accounts program to provide a simple and inexpensive way for workers to save for retirement and employers to offer an employee benefit.
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 3:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Appropriations Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien.

HB 1550/ SB 5759 - SUPPORTING THE STATE ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This bill would broaden higher education opportunities by: providing for mentoring to ensure academic support is available to students while in high school; encouraging college enrollment, and assisting once enrolled; reducing financial barriers to college for talented, low-income students; and, leveraging private funding for higher education financial assistance.
The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Cttee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Ed.
On Wednesday 2/9 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing before the House Education Committee. House Hearing Room B, O'Brien Building. (Also scheduled for Possible Executive Session on 2/10 at 1:30 pm.)

HB 1589/ SB 5578 - INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION THAT QUALIFIES AS A WORK ACTIVITY UNDER WORKFIRST.
This bill simply changes from 12 to 24 months, the amount of vocational education time permitted to WorkFirst participants - to increase employability and long-term economic stability.
The House bill was referred to the House Committee on Children & Family Services.
In Week Four, the Senate bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

HB 1636/ SB 5684 - ADOPTING A WAGE LADDER FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS
This bill would increase wages to child care workers by establishing a child care career and wage ladder that provides increased wages for child care workers based on their work experience, level of responsibility, and education. Within available funds, this career and wage ladder is expected to mirror the successful child care career and wage ladder pilot project operated by the state between 2000 and 2003.
The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, R & D.
On Thursday, 2/10 at 1:30 pm, the House bill will get a Public Hearing before the House Committee on Children & Family Services. House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.

Budget Item:
Advocates for low-income adults are seeking $3 million to fund the Gaining Independence Act. Passed by the legislature in 2003, the act was never funded in the budget. This would help parents who qualify for financial aid pay meet child care costs while they are in school, providing up to 3,000 grants of at least $1,000 each.

JUVENILES/YOUTH

SHB 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. The bill matches state dollars from the Higher Education Board with private cash donations.
In Week Three, this bill was taken up in Executive Session in the House Higher Education Committee and was voted Do Pass. Because it would cost money to implement, it has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

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. It also clarifies the parent role in placement of a minor and shortens timelines for decisions about the medical necessity of treatment. It adds limited liability protection to facilities and professionals who act in good faith in accordance with the law.
In Week Four, this bill was amended and voted DO PASS in an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. It goes next to the House Rules Committee.

HB 1079/SB 5084 - FOSTER YOUTH EDUCATION
This bill was requested by former Governor Locke. It would establish a Foster Youth Post-secondary Education and Training Coordination Committee.
The House bill was referred to House Higher Education Committee.
The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Labor, Commerce, Research & Development Cttee but has now been re-referred to the Senate Early learning, K-12, Higher Ed Committee.

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.
In Week Four this bill was voted DO PASS in an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. It goes next to the House Rules Committee.

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.
On Tuesday 2/8 at 10:00 am, this bill will have an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice & Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.

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.
On Tuesday 2/8 at 10:00 am, this bill will have an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice & Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.
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.
In Week Two, the Senate bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Health & Long term Care Committee. Eligible for possible Executive Session.
On Tuesday 2/8 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get a Public hearing in the House Health Care Committee. In Hearing Room A in the O'Brien Building.

HB 1366 - VIDEO GAMING RATING SYSTEMS
This bill would require persons and retail establishments that sell video games to post signs with nationally-recognized rating systems, and upon request to provide consumers with information on the rating system.
On Wednesday 2/9 at 1:30 pm, this bill will get an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice & Family Law Committee in Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.

HB 1408/ SB 5469 - CREATING AN INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT (IDA) PROGAM
See also INCOME SUPPORTS: individuals eligible for IDA's include Foster Youth.

HB 1483 /SB 5567 - CREATING AN "INVESTING IN YOUTH" PROGRAM
This bill's intent is to create incentives for local government investments in cost-effective intervention services that reduce crime by reimbursing local governments with a portion of the cost savings that accrue to the state as the result of local investments in such services. Based on an existing model, it would create a pilot program limited initially to three sites with at least one in a large population center, and one in a relatively small population center.
On Wednesday 2/9 at 1:30 pm, the House bill will get an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice & Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.
In Week Four the Senate bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee.

HB 1531 - LIMITING THE WAIVER OF COUNSEL IN JUVENILE PROCEEDINGS
This bill provides that in any proceeding in which a child has the right to the assistance of counsel, neither the child nor the parent, guardian, or custodian may waive the child's right to counsel - unless the court has considered the evidence of the child's school performance and any testing which the school may have conducted. It further declares that the continuance of a hearing due to these conditions may not be a basis for detaining the child.
On Tuesday 2/8 at 10 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Juvenile Justice & Family law Committee. In Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.

HB 1644 - CHANGING THE LAW PERTAINING TO WAIVER OF RIGHTS BY A JUVENILE
This bill requires that a minor must be sixteen years of age or older in order to waive their rights without consultation with a parent, guardian, custodian, or the advice of an attorney.
On Tuesday 2/8 at 10:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Juvenile Justice & Family law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.
HB 1660 - EXPANDING THE DEFINITION OF "AT RISK YOUTH"
This bill makes the following addition to the definition of at risk youth, a juvenile "who has a substance abuse or mental health problem and there are no pending criminal charges related to the substance abuse or mental health problem."
On Tuesday 2/8 at 10:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the House Juvenile Justice & Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E in the O'Brien Building.

HB 1708 - REGARDING DROPOUT PREVENTION
This bill requires the superintendent of public instruction to review and evaluate promising programs for dropout prevention. The bill requires a report to be made to the legislature by December 1, 2005 on the two most promising programs. It also directs the superintendent to establish school and school district goals addressing high school graduation rates and dropout reduction goals for students in grades seven through twelve. It includes requirements to show progress under the federal no child left behind act of 2001.
This bill was referred to the House Education Committee.

SB 5116 - SKATE PARKS
This bill would require the wearing of helmets in skate parks.
On Thursday 2/10 at 3:30 pm, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Natural Resources, Ocean, & Recreation Cttee. Senate Hearing Room 2, Cherberg Building. Also TVW.

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, 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.
In Week Four, this bill got a Public Hearing and an Executive Session in the Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee. It was voted DO PASS.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.

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.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the 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. No statement, admission, or confession (written or oral) of a juvenile under the age of 17 years given as the result of 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.
On Monday 2/7 at 10:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee in Hearing Room 1 in the Cherberg Building. Also on TVW.

SB 5460 - AUTHORIZING EDUCATORS TO REQUEST FAMILY RECONCILIATION SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
This bill allows certificated school employees who believe a student may be an at-risk youth or Child In Need of Services (CHIN) may request that the Department of Social and Health Services provide family reconciliation services to the family.
In Week Four, the bill got a Public Hearing in Senate Human Services & Corrections Cttee.

SB 5478 - DEFINING ABSTINENCE EDUCATION AND COMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION FOR K-12 STUDENTS
This bill finds that school districts and their community committee members are free to determine the type and content of sex education programs used in their district, and that entities promoting or teaching abstinence education must verify compliance with requirements to teach abstinence education as required by federal law.
This bill was referred to the Senate Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education Committee.

SB 5500 - SPECIFYING PROCEDURES FOR TRANSFER OF JUVENILE PROCEEDINGS
This bill provides that if the court orders a transfer of venue the case and the copies of all legal and social documents pertaining thereto shall be transferred to the county in which the juvenile resides, without regard to whether or not his or her custodial parent resides there for supervision and enforcement of the disposition order.
On Monday 2/7 at 10:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Building. Also on TVW.
SB 5502 - REVISING JUVENILE SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES
This bill declares that certain juvenile offenders fourteen years of age or older convicted of an A+ offense; who attempted, conspired, or solicited others to commit a class A offence; or offences committed when armed with a deadly weapon, shall be ineligible for the mental health disposition option.
On Monday 2/7 at 10 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Building. Also on TVW.

SB 5557 - REVISING PROVISIONS CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR MINORS
This bill clarifies state law to insure that an evaluation and treatment facility may 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. (SB 5257 is concerned with minors over the age of thirteen years.)
This bill was referred to the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee.

SB 5583 - REQUIRING TRAINING OF CHILDREN'S ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEES CONCERNING OLDER CHILDREN WHO ARE VICTIMS OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT
This bill requires the Department of Social and Health Services to develop a curriculum to train the staff of the Children's Administration on how to screen and respond to referrals to child protective services when those referrals may involve victims of abuse and neglect ages 11-18.
On Thursday 2/3 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing in the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1, in the Cherberg Building.

MENTAL HEALTH

HB 1005/ SB 5753 - 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. A New Century Consumer Coalition is working on this bill.
The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections.
In Week Three, the House bill got a Public Hearing in the House Health Care Committee.

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. It also clarifies the parent role in placement of a minor and shortens timelines for decisions about the medical necessity of treatment. It adds limited liability protection to facilities and professionals who act in good faith in accordance with the law.
In Week Four, this bill was amended and voted DO PASS in an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. It goes next to the House Rules Committee.

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.
In Week Four this bill was voted DO PASS in an Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. It goes next to the House Rules Committee.

HB 1154/ SB 5450 - 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.
The Senate bill was referred to the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee.
In Week Three the House bill passed the Full House by a vote of 67-25 (6 absent).
It is now in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

HB 1290 - MODIFYING COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVISIONS.
This bill concerns funding for the Regional Support Networks.
On Tuesday, 2/8 at 1:30 pm, this bill is scheduled for Executive Session in the House Health Care Committee. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building.

SB 5763 - ENACTING THE OMNIBUS TREATMENT OF MENTAL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDERS ACT OF 2005
This bill was just introduced in Week Four and is already creating excitement, simply because it includes so many issues that have been of concern to people in both the mental health and substance abuse communities.
Among its 913 (yes, 913!) provisions, it would: provide for assessments, to assure the right treatment and appropriate services in appropriate settings, and to better determine the actual need for services for co-occurring disorders; provide for a 2-year, 2-county pilot program (with statewide implementation to be dependent on results of a 2-year study of experience); establish chemical dependency intensive case management for high utilizing clients; expand chemical dependency treatment to 40% of identified need in 2006 and 60% in 2007 for both children and adults; expand the use of evidence-based and research-based practices and give providers the appropriate training; expand the competency restoration program at Western State Hospital - in part to speed up appropriate processing and relieve the overcrowding in local jails; expand mental health and drug courts and family therapeutic courts to reduce dependencies and criminal involvement; suspend (rather than terminate) Medicaid for those in jail or in state hospitals; create 2 new evaluation and treatment centers for short-term treatment of civilly committed clients … and much, much more. Counties would be permitted to levy a 1/10th of 1% sales & use tax to provide for new or expanded mental health or chemical dependency treatment (not to be used to supplant existing resources).
On Thursday, 2/10 at 8:00 am, this bill is being given a rare 2-hour long Public Hearing before the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Building.

REVENUES/TAX POLICY

Work Session:
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 1:30 pm, the House Finance Committee series will continue with a Work Session to consider: What can we do to our tax system to create more jobs and make our businesses more competitive? This will be a Joint Committee session with the House Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade. Immediately following, those present will be invited to comment on the work session topic in a Public Hearing. House Hearing Room A, O'Brien Building. Also on TVW.

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.
This bill was voted DO PASS in the House Finance Committee, and went through Rules.
This bill is now scheduled for Floor Action in the House of Representatives.

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 business activities, 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 Four this bill was scheduled for Executive Session in the House Finance Committee; Committee action was not posted at this writing.

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.
In Week Four this bill was scheduled for Executive Session in the House Finance Committee; Committee action was not posted at this writing.

RIGHTS/OPPORTUNITIES

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."
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing before the House Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee. Eligible for Executive Session.

HB 1515 - EXPANDING THE JURISDICTION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION.
Known as the Anderson-Murray Anti-Discrimination bill, this bill would add sexual orientation to the purview of the Human Rights Commission. Similar bills have been introduced for 28 yrs.
In Week Four, this bill got a Public Hearing in the House Committee on State Government Operations & Accountability. Eligible for Executive Session.

HB 1542/ SB 5531 - PROVIDING INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES
This bill changes existing law in one important respect: where current law reads that effective legal representation "should" be provided for indigent persons, the revised law would say that legal representation "must" be provided -- consistent with the constitutional requirements of fairness, equal protection, and due process in all cases where the right to counsel attaches.
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 1:30 pm, the House bill will get a Public Hearing before the House Judiciary Committee. House Hearing Room B, O'Brien Building.
On Thursday, 2/10 at 10:00 am, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Building.

HB 1586/ SB 5575 - PERMITTING A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY TO MAINTAIN A DIVERSE STUDENT POPULATION BY CONSIDERING RACE, COLOR, ETHNICITY, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN IN THE ADMISSION AND TRANSFER PROCESS W/OUT USING QUOTAS, PREDETERMINED POINTS, OR SET ASIDES.
This bill intends to give universities and colleges some flexibility in considering race, color, ethnicity, or national origin as positive factors in admission and transfer policies, and to promote diversity by enrolling meaningful numbers of students from groups that would not otherwise be represented. As is clear from the long, detailed title of the bill, the bill's sponsors want to make clear they do not intend this as a green light for any form of quota or set aside system based solely on racial status.
On Thursday, 2/10 at 8:00 am, the House bill will get a Public Hearing before the House Committee on Higher Education. House Hearing Room C, O'Brien Building.
On Friday, 2/11 at 8:00 am, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing before the Senate Cttee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Bldg.
Also on TVW.

HB 1659 - CREATING THE JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
This bill stems from research showing that low-income and minority students encounter fewer opportunities to learn, inadequate instruction and support, and lower expectations from their schools and teachers, and that schools are not sufficiently inclusive of all cultures represented in the state's public schools. To close the achievement gap will require a comprehensive approach including: learning environments intolerant of racism and exclusion; curricula and teaching practices that recognize differences in ethnicity, language, and culture; and teacher training and professional development programs. The bill would create a Joint Select Committee on Equitable Opportunity For All, required to report its findings and recommendations, including a timeline, by September 1, 2006,
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 8:00 am, this bill will get a Public Hearing before the House Education Committee. House Hearing Room B, O'Brien Building.

SB 5127 - IMPROVING SERVICES TO VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
This bill would improve the coordination of services by various state agencies, in order to develop protocols for improved services to victims. This bill is prompted by the fact that battered immigrants are sometimes brought into this country by abusive spouses, through fraud or coercion, and find it difficult to navigate the system that might offer help. It 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 Four, this bill was voted DO PASS by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
It is now in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.

SB 5452 - PROHIBITING GENETIC TESTING AS A CONDITION OF LIFE INSURANCE.
Washington State was one of the last states to enact legislation that would explicitly protect the genetic information of individuals from being used in a discriminatory manner. This is of special importance to communities with a higher propensity for a variety of cancer-linked genes (e.g., African Americans with Sickle Cell Anemia and Eastern European Jews with certain genes associated with breast cancer, ovarian cancer and Tay Sachs). This bill would protect against discrimination in the sale of Life Insurance.
In Week Four this bill got a Public Hearing before the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection. Eligible for Executive Session.

SEXUAL ABUSE/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

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.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections. Eligible for Executive Session.

HB 1171 - LIMITING THE COURT'S DISCRETION CONCERNING DENIAL OF DISSOLUTION DECREES
This bill would provide that the Courts may not use a petitioner's pregnancy as a basis for denial when considering a request for dissolution of a marriage.
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 8:00 am, this bill is scheduled for Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E, O'Brien Building.

HB 1294/ SB 5434 - REVISING STANDARDS FOR ANTI-HARASSMENT PROTECTION ORDER HEARINGS.
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 3:30 pm, the Senate bill will get a Public Hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Building.
In Week Four, the House bill was voted DO PASS by the House Judiciary Committee.
The House bill is now in the House Rules Cttee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.

HB 1314 - CREATING THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACCOUNT.
This bill would establish a Domestic Violence Prevention Account within the Department of Social and Health Services, from a $10 increase in marriage license filing fees, and a $20 increase in the filing fees associated with marriage dissolution, separations, and declarations of invalidity. The fund would be used for non-shelter based services.
On Wednesday, 2/9 at 8:00 am, this bill is scheduled for Possible Executive Session in the House Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Hearing Room E, O'Brien Bldg.

SB 5126 - DEVELOPING POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND MANDATORY TRAINING ON SEXUAL HARRASSMENT FOR ALL STATE EMPLOYEES.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. Eligible for possible Executive Session.

SB 5148 - REPEALING THE CRIME OF "SLANDER OF A WOMAN"
Sponsors of this bill acknowledge that this is a rarely used, archaic bit of law; the purpose is to take such anachronisms off the books. It has attracted considerable press attention simply because it sounds so colorful.
This bill was voted DO PASS by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The bill is now in the Senate Rules Cttee, waiting to be scheduled for Floor Action.

SSB 5183 - PROVIDING TAX RELIEF TO PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
In Week Four this bill was amended and voted DO PASS by the Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance Committee. (Also see under HOUSING).
This bill has been referred on to the Senate Ways& Means Committee.

SB 5350 - SHARED PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
This bill creates a presumption that (with few exceptions) shared parenting is in a child's best interest when a parenting plan is being developed as part of a divorce proceeding. Domestic violence advocates are concerned because domestic violence victims are often not represented in family law situations, and there may be issues of potential future abuse in a shared parenting arrangement that may not be taken into account. Similar bills have been offered in the past.
In Week Four, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to send this bill without recommendation (i.e., neither Do Pass nor Do Not Pass), to the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. No hearing scheduled yet.

HB 1057/SB 5051 - CAPITAL BUDGET
Includes money for the Housing Trust Fund. Domestic Violence advocates are seeking to both increase the total funds available to $100 million, and secure a $1.5 million set-aside (within the total) for Domestic Violence shelters and transitional housing.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE/TREATMENT

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.
In Week Four, this bill got a Public Hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

SB 5090 - PRIVATIZING THE SALE OF LIQUOR
This bill would close some of the state's liquor stores and contract operations to private parties.
In Week Three, this bill got a Public Hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. Eligible for Executive Session.

SB 5763 - ENACTING THE OMNIBUS TREATMENT OF MENTAL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDERS ACT OF 2005
This bill was just introduced in Week Four and is already creating excitement, simply because it includes so many of the issues of concern to people in the mental health and substance abuse communities. Among its 913 provisions, it would: provide for assessments, to assure the right treatment and appropriate services in appropriate settings, and to better determine the actual need for services for co-occurring disorders; provide for a 2-year, 2-county pilot program (with statewide implementation to be dependent on results of a 2-year study of experience); establish chemical dependency intensive case management for high utilizing clients; expand chemical dependency treatment to 40% of identified need in 2006 and 60% in 2007 for both children and adults; expand the use of evidence-based and researched-based practices and give providers the appropriate training; expand the competency restoration program at Western State Hospital - in part to speed up appropriate processing and relieve the overcrowding in local jails; expand mental health and drug courts and family therapeutic courts to reduce dependencies and criminal involvement; suspend (rather than terminate) Medicaid for those in jail or in state hospitals; create 2 new evaluation and treatment centers for short-term treatment of civilly committed clients … and much, much more. Counties would be permitted to levy a .01% sales & use tax to provide for new or expanded mental health or chemical dependency treatment (not to be used to supplant existing resources).
On Thursday, 2/10 at 8:00 am, this bill is being given a rare 2-hour long Public Hearing before the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee. Senate Hearing Room 1, Cherberg Building. Also on TVW.

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.)

Budget
On Thursday, 2/10 at 1:30 pm, the Senate Ways & Means Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Governor Locke's proposed budget for human services. While the legislators are waiting to see Governor Gregoire's proposed budget, this nonetheless offers an opportunity to consider both the no-new-revenues Book I version, and limited-new-revenues Book II recommended by former Governor Locke.

Election/Campaign Reform:
On Tuesday, 2/8 at 10:00 am there will be a Public Hearing in the House Committee on State Government Operations & Accountability. It is devoted to several voting-related bills: ballot measures (HB 1222), allowing voters to select "none of the above" (HB 1363), expanding grounds for recall (HB 1389), a pilot project for instant runoff voting (HB 1447), moving the PRIMARY to September (HB 1456), and revising various election laws (HB 1604).
House Hearing Room D, O'Brien Building.

Education:
On Tuesday, 2/9 at 8:00 am, there will be a Public Hearing in the House Education Committee, on HB 1495, a bill to requiring that Washington's tribal history be taught in the common schools. House Hearing Room B,