Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
HB 1367
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. |
Brief Description: Requiring the student achievement council to develop a grant program to encourage training for students studying in the medical field to work with individuals with disabilities.
Sponsors: Representatives Johnson, Reykdal, Walsh, Chandler, Appleton, Zeiger and Pollet.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/28/15
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:
Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).
The WSAC is the agency responsible for strategic planning, oversight, and advocacy regarding higher education in Washington. In addition, WSAC administers the majority of the state's financial aid and grant programs for the public baccalaureate institutions. For example, the WSAC's Office of Student Financial Assistance is in charge of administering the Work-Study Opportunity Grant for High-Demand Occupations. This is a competitive grant program in which WSAC awards grants to eligible institutions of higher education that have developed a partnership with an organization willing to host work-study placements. The grant money covers student wages and the cost of program administration.
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
The DDA is a program within the Department of Social and Health Services. In fiscal year 2014, the DDA had an average cliental of about 22,600 people, of which about 60 percent are adults over the age of 18. However, it is estimated that there are around 84,000 people with developmental disabilities in Washington, which is roughly 1.2 percent of the population.
Summary of Bill:
The WSAC is required to develop a centralized grant program for institutions for programs designed to develop training projects focused upon improving services to adult individuals with developmental disabilities. The WSAC is in charge of administering the program in consultation with the Department of Health. The WSAC must report to the appropriate legislative committees by December 1, 2016, regarding the grants awarded and any other efforts or progress in expanding or improving training for students in treating adult individuals with developmental disabilities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.