H-3424.1          _______________________________________________

                                  HOUSE BILL 2647

                  _______________________________________________

State of Washington              52nd Legislature             1992 Regular Session

By Representatives D. Sommers, Franklin, Winsley, Leonard, Moyer, Padden, Mielke, Tate and Wang

Read first time 01/23/92.  Referred to Committee on Human Services/Appropriations.Commissioning a study to investigate the problems of and possible solutions to the increasing assaults on staff at eastern and western state hospitals.

     AN ACT Relating to state employee safety at eastern and western state hospitals; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.      The department of labor and industries shall conduct a study to investigate the problems and causes associated with the increasing number of assaults on state employees who work at eastern and western state hospitals.  The study will include, but not be limited to, the possible ameliorative actions of increased staffing levels, increased employee training, physical plant improvements, stronger assault statutes, or other criminal justice initiatives.  In their study the department shall consult with state employees and their representatives; department of social and health services and hospital management; advocates of the mentally ill; officials of the state's criminal justice system, including local law enforcement and prosecutors; and others with an interest in this issue.  The department shall report back to the legislature regarding its findings and recommendations by December 31, 1993.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.      The sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1993, from the general fund to the department of labor and industries for the purpose of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.      If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.