Z-1236.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 6181
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State of Washington 52nd Legislature 1992 Regular Session
By Senators Newhouse, Rasmussen, Anderson, Nelson, McDonald, Talmadge, Wojahn, Hayner, Thorsness, Sellar, Murray, Snyder, M. Kreidler, Patterson, Johnson, Craswell, Amondson, Bauer, McMullen, Oke, L. Smith and Erwin
Read first time 01/21/92. Referred to Committee on Governmental Operations.
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.