SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 2512

     AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES,

                       FEBRUARY 24, 1994

Brief Description:  Expanding eligibility criteria for funds for sexually aggressive youth.

SPONSORS: Representatives Leonard, Cooke, Thibaudeau, Karahalios, Sheldon, J. Kohl and King; by request of Department of Social and Health Services

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

     Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Wojahn, Vice Chairman; Deccio, Erwin, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, McAuliffe, Moyer, Niemi, Prentice, L. Smith and Winsley.

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786‑7461)

Hearing Dates: February 18, 1994; February 24, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Treatment services for youth who commit sexually aggressive acts are limited to youth meeting the statutory definition of a sexually aggressive youth.  Currently, youth in the care and custody of a federally-recognized Native American tribe or the subject of a child welfare proceeding before a tribal court are not included in the definition of a sexually aggressive youth.

SUMMARY:

The definition of a sexually aggressive youth is expanded to include youth in the care and custody of federally-recognized Native American tribes or the subject of a child welfare proceeding before a tribal court.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

The department may provide funds for youth in the care and custody of a tribe or through a tribal court for the treatment of sexually aggressive youth only if:  (1) the tribe uses the same or equivalent definitions and standards for determining which youth are sexually aggressive; and (2) the department seeks to recover any federal funds available for the treatment of the youth.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

The current statute does not allow DSHS to pay treatment costs for sexually aggressive youth under the jurisdiction of tribal courts or in the care and custody of a tribe.  This bill is necessary to allow treatment for these youth.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Dick Anderson, DSHS; Gabriel Landry, DSHS/Indian Policy; Randy Scott, Quinault, Colville and Lummi Tribes