SENATE BILL REPORT

                           ESHB 2026

  AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE, APRIL 2, 1993

Brief Description:  Requiring notice about fetal alcohol syndrome.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Karahalios, Wood, Leonard and Kessler)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Moore, Chairman; Prentice, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Fraser, McAuliffe, Pelz, Sutherland, and Vognild.

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786‑7452)

Hearing Dates: April 2, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Fetal alcohol syndrome is the third leading cause of mental retardation in the United States.  Approximately 145 babies are born in Washington each year with fetal alcohol syndrome.

SUMMARY:

The Liquor Control Board is required to post in a conspicuous place within each state liquor store a notice warning women that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects, including fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

This bill will start the process of educating the public about fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) by requiring the Liquor Control Board to post signs in state liquor stores that warn women that drinking while pregnant can lead to FAS.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Representative Karahalios, prime sponsor (pro)