SENATE BILL REPORT

                  2SHB 1882

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                 Ways & Means,  March 27, 1995

Title:  An act relating to an inspector general.

Brief Description:  Creating the position of inspector general in the Washington state patrol.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Stevens and Boldt).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  3/27/95 [w/oRec-HSC].

Human Services & Corrections:  3/28/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  That it be referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections without recommendation.

  Signed by Senators Rinehart, Chair; Loveland, Vice Chair; Drew, Finkbeiner, Hargrove, Johnson, Long, McDonald, Moyer, Quigley, Roach, Snyder and Strannigan.

Staff:  Linda Brownell (786-7913)

Background:  Complaints regarding the manner in which the Department of Social and Health Services conducts child abuse and neglect investigations and interacts with families are often made to the department.  The department is required to use an informal, nonadversarial complaint resolution process to respond to complaints.  Citizens with complaints against the Department of Social and Health Services are often distrustful of a complaint resolution process controlled by the department.

Summary of Bill:  An Inspector General is created in the Washington State Patrol.  The Inspector General provides oversight of the Department of Social and Health Services with particular emphasis on allegations of improper family intervention and other improper action or coercion by the department.   The Inspector General and his or her authority expires on July 1, 1997, unless extended by law. 

A new joint legislative committee is created to review reports from the inspector general.

The legislation is null and void unless specifically referenced in the omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 1995.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786-7461)