AN ACT
Relating to senior volunteers; adding a new section to chapter 43.63A RCW;
creating new sections; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE
OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 1. The
legislature finds that there is a growing number of citizens in the state over
the age of sixty who have much to offer their fellow citizens and communities
through volunteer service. The legislature further finds that public programs
for education, at-risk youth, adult literacy, and combating drug abuse have
benefited from and are still in need of the assistance of skilled retired
senior volunteer programs volunteers. In addition the legislature further
finds that public programs for developmentally disabled, environmental
protection, corrections, crime prevention, mental health, long-term and respite
care, and housing and homeless, among others, are also in need of volunteer
assistance from the retired senior volunteer program.
Therefore,
the legislature intends to encourage the increased involvement of senior
volunteers by providing funding throughout Washington to promote the
development and enhancement of such programs.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 2. A new
section is added to chapter 43.63A RCW to read as follows:
(1)
Each biennium the department of community development shall distribute such
funds as are appropriated for retired senior volunteer programs (RSVP) as
follows:
(a) At
least sixty-five percent of the moneys may be distributed according to formulae
and criteria to be determined by the department of community development in
consultation with the RSVP directors association.
(b) Up
to twenty percent of the moneys may be distributed by competitive grant process
to develop RSVP projects in counties not presently being served, or to expand
existing RSVP services into counties not presently served.
(c)
Ten percent of the moneys may be used by the department of community
development for administration, monitoring of the grants, and providing
technical assistance to the RSVP projects.
(d) Up
to five percent of the moneys may be used to support projects that will benefit
RSVPs state-wide.
(2)
Grants under subsection (1) of this section shall give priority to programs in
the areas of education, tutoring, English as a second language, combating of
and education on drug abuse, housing and homeless, and respite care, and shall
be distributed in accordance with the following:
(a)
None of the grant moneys may be used to displace any paid employee in the area
being served.
(b)
Grants shall be made for programs that focus on:
(i)
Developing new roles for senior volunteers in nonprofit and public
organizations with special emphasis on areas targeted in section 1 of this
act. The roles shall reflect the diversity of the local senior population and
shall respect their life experiences;
(ii)
Increasing the expertise of volunteer managers and RSVP managers in the areas
of communication, recruitment, motivation, and retention of today's over-sixty
population;
(iii)
Increasing the number of senior citizens recruited, referred, and placed with
nonprofit and public organizations; and
(iv)
Providing volunteer support such as: Mileage to and from the volunteer
assignment, recognition, and volunteer insurance.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 3. The
department of community development may immediately take such steps as are
necessary to ensure that this act is implemented promptly.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 4. (1)
Sections 1 and 2 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1992.
(2)
Section 3 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public
peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing
public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.
