SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5759

               AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 10, 1993

Brief Description:  Extending the involuntary treatment act to cover the commitment of chemically dependent adults.

SPONSORS: Senators McAuliffe, Prentice, Skratek, Loveland, von Reichbauer, Haugen, Prince, McDonald, Drew, Owen, Moyer, Erwin, Winsley, Anderson and M. Rasmussen

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Wojahn, Vice Chairman; Deccio, Erwin, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, McAuliffe, McDonald, Quigley, Sheldon, L. Smith, and Winsley.

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786‑7461)

Hearing Dates: February 25, 1993; February 26, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Adults incapacitated by alcohol and minors incapacitated by alcohol or other drug addictions may be involuntarily committed to treatment if the Superior Court finds the grounds for involuntary commitment have been met.  Adults incapacitated by addiction to drugs other than alcohol are not currently subject to an involuntary commitment process.

SUMMARY:

Adults incapacitated by drugs other than alcohol are subject to the involuntary commitment process used currently for adults incapacitated by alcohol. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

This bill is greatly needed to allow the commitment of individuals who are in need of drug treatment.  This will not cost the state any additional money.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Ken Stark, Director, DASA, DSHS (pro); Gary Antos, Director, Involuntary Commitment Project, Sedro Wooley (pro); Joan Egido, citizen (pro)