SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5830

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 22, 1993

Brief Description:  Creating a local option liquor sales tax to provide services for chronically disabled, chemically dependent persons.

SPONSORS: Senators Talmadge and Niemi

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786‑7461)

Hearing Dates: February 25, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Recent studies have shown that there is a small population of chronically disabled, chemically dependent people who utilize large amounts of expensive public resources.  These resources include police services, courts, jails, emergency medical transportation and treatment services, detoxification facilities, alcohol treatment facilities, and mental health services. 

It has been suggested that progress can be made with this population by providing a comprehensive set of treatment and support services.  These services include outreach, detoxification, case management, inpatient and outpatient treatment, transitional and permanent housing, and other support services.

SUMMARY:

A county local option liquor tax is authorized to provide chemical dependency treatment and support services to chronically disabled, chemically dependent people.  The tax shall be collected by the Department of Revenue, deposited with the State Treasurer, and distributed to the county each month.

Prior to imposing the tax, a county must develop a six-year treatment and support services plan, for chronically disabled, chemically dependent people.  The county may also develop a four-year plan for other high-risk chemically dependent populations.  The plans must be approved by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).  The county is required to apply for DSHS's approval every four years.  If the plan is not approved, the county's authority to impose the tax shall cease.

Counties may request DSHS to waive existing categorical funding limitations on alcohol and substance abuse programs, if the limitations impair the county's ability to implement a comprehensive chemical dependency service plan.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested February 3, 1993

Effective Date:  January 1, 1994