SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 1777

       AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES,

                         APRIL 2, 1993

Brief Description:  Attempting to ensure that teen parents receiving public benefits complete high school and gain economic independence.

SPONSORS: Representatives Karahalios, Cooke, Leonard, Edmondson, Eide, Wolfe, Jones, Jacobsen, Brough, Quall, Mastin, Roland and Lemmon

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

     Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Wojahn, Vice Chairman; Deccio, Franklin, Fraser, McAuliffe, Moyer, Niemi, Prentice, Sheldon, and Winsley.

Staff:  Joanne Conrad (786‑7472)

Hearing Dates: April 1, 1993; April 2, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Teen childbearing tends to negatively impact the ability of the teen parent to complete high school and obtain adequate paid employment.  Some believe that environmental factors have substantial influence on a teen parent's educational attainment, employment potential, and ability to responsibly manage their own financial affairs. 

SUMMARY:

The most appropriate living situation for AFDC "head of household" recipients under 18 years is decided by the Department of Social and Health Services.  The decision is based upon stated criteria involving the home situation, education and employment of the teen parent. 

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Families will be involved in decisions about appropriate living situations, and the choice of situations will be prioritized.  Parenting classes are included in services.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

Teen mothers will be encouraged by improved living situations to finish school and find jobs.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Representative Karahalios, prime sponsor; Bernice Morehead, DSHS