HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SHB 2726

                       As Passed House

                      February 18, 1992

Title:  An act relating to persons incapacitated by alcohol and other drugs.

Brief Description:  Extending the involuntary treatment act to cover the commitment of chemically dependent adults.

Sponsor(s):  By House Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Brekke, Paris and Rasmussen).

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Human Services, February 5, 1992, DPS;

Passed House, February 18, 1992, 98-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Leonard, Chair; Riley, Vice Chair; Winsley, Ranking Minority Member; Tate, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Anderson; Beck; Brekke; Hargrove; Hochstatter; R. King; and H. Myers.

Staff:  David Knutson (786-7146).

Background:  Adults incapacitated by alcohol and minors incapacitated by alcohol or other drug addictions may be involuntarily committed to treatment if the Superior Court finds the grounds for involuntary commitment have been met.  Adults incapacitated by addiction to drugs other than alcohol are not currently subject to an involuntary commitment process.

Summary of Bill:  Adults incapacitated by drugs other than alcohol will be subject to the involuntary commitment process used currently for adults incapacitated by alcohol and for minors incapacitated by alcohol or other drug addiction.

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 24, 1992.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Involuntary commitment and treatment procedures are currently available for adult alcoholics and children with alcohol or drug problems, or a combination of addictions.  Services are not available for adult drug addicts.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Ken Stark, Department of Social and Health Services; Joan Egidio, Parent; Jean Gressette, Thurston and Mason Addictions Recovery Council; and Linda Grant, Alcoholism Addiction Services.