HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5375

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 Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care & Wellness

Title: An act relating to renaming the cancer research endowment authority to the Andy Hill cancer research endowment.

Brief Description: Renaming the cancer research endowment authority to the Andy Hill cancer research endowment.

Sponsors: Senators Fain, Braun, Angel, Brown, Becker, O'Ban, Miloscia, Schoesler, Bailey, Sheldon, Warnick, King, Rivers, Fortunato, Rossi, Baumgartner, Wilson, Honeyford, Padden, Zeiger, Ranker, Darneille, Palumbo, Pedersen, Pearson, Frockt and Hasegawa.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 3/21/17, 3/22/17 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Renames the Cancer Research Endowment Authority the Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Graves, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Clibborn, DeBolt, Harris, Jinkins, MacEwen, Maycumber, Riccelli, Robinson, Rodne, Slatter, Stonier and Tharinger.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

The Cancer Research Endowment Authority (CREA) makes grants to public and private entities, including commercial entities, for the promotion of cancer research. Grant funding comes from both private and public sources. The CREA evaluates requests for funding based on a variety of factors, including:

The CREA is governed by a 13-member board and administered by a private, non-profit corporation with expertise in conducting or managing research granting activities, funds, or organizations.

Senator Andy Hill served in the Washington State Senate from 2011 until his death from lung cancer on October 31, 2016. Senator Hill served as the chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

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Summary of Bill:

The name of the Cancer Research Endowment Authority is changed to the Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Senator Hill was a great champion for cancer research in his legislative and personal lives. He was the first to suggest raising the smoking age and worked on other issues related to cancer prevention like electronic cigarettes. He was a miracle to cancer survivors and never said no to talking to a person with a cancer diagnosis. His is a story that should be celebrated. Senator Hill worked to create the Cancer Research Endowment Authority as a dedicated fund for cancer research. There is a need for enhanced cancer research. Cancer researchers are on the cusp of breakthroughs. There is uncertainty created by funding on the federal level. This bill is a fitting tribute to Senator Hill.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Thomas Bates, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; and Erin Dziedzic, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.