SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6430

BYSenators Talmadge, Kreidler, Lee and Bauer

Providing standards for youth camps.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1990

Senate Staff:Gregory M. Miller (786-7784)

AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Inconsistent or incomplete monitoring of the over 125 summer youth camps could pose a serious health risk to Washington children.  Existing camp sanitation regulations are enforced irregularly by local health departments.  The regulations do not address basic safety or camp operation nor do they provide any enforcement mechanism.  No reporting requirements for camp illness or injuries exist.  No data states the extent of current problems, if any, or whether Washington's youth camps are more or less hazardous than camps in more regulated states.  Colorado, Connecticut, and New Jersey have adopted youth camp safety standards for licensing, inspection, insurance, supervision, health supervision, and safety.

SUMMARY:

A licensing requirement for youth camps to be administered by the Department of Health in conjunction with local health departments is established.  Health and safety standards are set by the Board of Health in cooperation with a youth camp safety advisory committee which is created.  Biennial inspections are required except for those camps exempted by an inspection by a certified camping association within the previous year.  Licenses cost $100 per year. Inspections are by the Department of Health or local health departments.  The Department of Health enforces the safety standards.  Local authorities may establish civil penalties for violation of the rules, up to $500 per day.  Violators may also be enjoined from further violations. 

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested