SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6469
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of January 30, 2010
Title: An act relating to filling vacancies on the racial disproportionality advisory committee.
Brief Description: Filling vacancies on the racial disproportionality advisory committee.
Sponsors: Senators Kauffman, Regala, Hargrove, Hobbs, Gordon, Keiser, McAuliffe and Kline.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/29/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Staff: Jennifer Strus (786-7316)
Background: During the 2007 session, the Legislature passed SHB 1472 which directed the Department of Social and Health Services to convene an advisory committee to address racial disproportionality and disparity in the state's child welfare system. The committee is comprised of experts in social work, law, child welfare, psychology, and related fields; two or more tribal representatives; one representative of a community-based organization involved with child welfare; one representative from the DSHS; one current or former foster youth; one current or former foster parent; one parent previously involved with Washington's child welfare or juvenile justice system; and a representative from the Governor's Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee.
The Senate Majority Leader, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Secretary of the DSHS each will appoint five members of the advisory committee. The original bill was silent as to how vacancies were to be filled.
Summary of Bill: In the event of a vacancy on the committee, the authority that originally appointed the member who has left must appoint his or her successor.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Having a full advisory committee ensures that the Legislature remains involved in this issue. This is about continuity. There needs to be a process to fill vacancies because there have been several vacancies for over a year; and the advisory committee would like to have them filled; and this bill will assist in accomplishing that.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Teresa Mosqueda, Children's Alliance; Laurie Lippold, Children's Home Society; Liz Mueller, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Racial Disproportionality Advisory Committee.