SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5794

                    As of February 27, 1995

Title:  An act relating to performance audits of job opportunities and basic skills training program contractors.

Brief Description:  Requiring audits of performance‑based contracts for job opportunities and basic skills training programs.

Sponsors:  Senators Wood, Quigley, Swecker, Deccio, Hochstatter, Moyer, Strannigan, Schow, McCaslin, West and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  2/27/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Steve Lerch (786-7474)

Background:  The Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program provides job search and readiness training, on-the-job training, and basic and secondary education to persons age 16 or older receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) cash grants.  JOBS also provides child care, transportation expenses, and other support for persons engaged in education or training activities.  The Department of Social and Health Services contracts with state agencies and private nonprofit entities to provide JOBS services to AFDC recipients.

Summary of Bill:  The Legislative Budget Committee (LBC) must audit performance-based contracts with private nonprofit contractors for JOBS services for the period between June 30, 1993 and July 1, 1997.  This audit determines the effectiveness of JOBS services in assisting AFDC to become employed.  Information to be collected includes the number of job placements as a fraction of program graduates, job retention rates of JOBS participants, and length of stay on AFDC of JOBS participants.  The LBC reports its findings to the Legislature and the Governor by July 1, 1998.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 22, 1995.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect on July 1, 1995.