HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2745

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                       Human Services

Title:  An act relating to information about domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

Brief Description:  Providing for information about domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

Sponsors:  Representatives L. Johnson, Wood, Long, Morris, Cooke, Caver, Flemming, Veloria, Mastin, Thibaudeau, Grant, Dyer, Forner, Dunshee, Van Luven, Wineberry, Brough, Shin, Pruitt, Karahalios, Springer, Tate and Anderson.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Human Services, February 3, 1994, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Leonard, Chair; Thibaudeau, Vice Chair; Cooke, Ranking Minority Member; Talcott, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Brown; Caver; Karahalios; Lisk; Padden; Patterson and Wolfe.

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:  Cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse often require several organizations to investigate, provide services, and ensure the safety of victims.  It can be a difficult and traumatic experience for victims and their families if service response and delivery is not organized and coordinated.

Summary of Bill:  Domestic violence shelters will provide information and referral services to victims and their families for appropriate services from other service providers.  The Department of Social and Health Services will develop a system of coordinated data collection related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  The collection and sharing of information related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse should be improved.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Mary Pontarolo, Coalition Against Domestic Violence (pro); Donna DeLeno, Washington Coalition Against Domestic Violence (pro); and Pam Davenport, Secretary of State (pro).