SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHJR 4216

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 19, 1992

Brief Description:  Amending the Constitution to permit municipalities and state agencies to employ chaplains.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Franklin, Edmondson, Haugen, Ferguson, Valle, Wood and Day)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Staff:  Martin Lovinger (786‑7443)

Hearing Dates: February 26, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The State Constitution prohibits the use of public money or property to be used for any religious worship, exercise or instruction, or the support of any religious establishment.  However, these prohibitions do not forbid the Legislature from providing for the state to employ a chaplain for state custodial, correctional, and mental institutions.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature is authorized to permit counties and public hospital districts to employ chaplains at their hospitals, health facilities, and hospices.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  The amendment becomes effective immediately upon certification of the election results of the November 1992 general election, if the voters approve the amendment.