SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6193

                    As of January 17, 1996

Title:  An act relating to state government organization.

Brief Description:  Eliminating the department of social and health services.

Sponsors:  Senators Roach, Swecker and Schow.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  1/18/96, 1/23/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Jodi Walker (786-7464)

Background:  In 1970, the former Departments of Health, Institutions, and Public Assistance, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Veterans' Rehabilitation Council were merged to form the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).  DSHS was designed to "integrate and coordinate all those activities involving provision of care for individuals who, as a result of their economic, social or health condition, require financial assistance, institutional care, rehabilitation, or other social and health services."

In 1981, the Department of Corrections (DOC) was created, and all DSHS responsibilities for adult correctional programs and institutions were transferred to DOC.  The Department of Health (DOH) was established in 1989, and all DSHS responsibilities for public, personal, environmental, parent and child, and other health service programs were transferred to DOH.

DSHS programs represent approximately 25.9 percent of the $18.0 billion state general fund budget in the 1995-97 biennium.  The total current operating budget of DSHS, including federal and other funds, is $10.0 billion.  According to the department, DSHS provides services to approximately 1.2 million Washington residents per year and has approximately 16,500 full time employees.

Currently, DSHS is organized under the office of the secretary, seven assistant secretaries, and six directors.  The assistant secretaries represent the seven substantive divisions of DSHS, whereas the directors represent the six operative divisions.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Social and Health Services is abolished, and in its stead is created four new agencies.

The Department of Children and Family Services is created, acquiring all powers, duties, and functions of the Department of Social and Health Services pertaining to juvenile rehabilitation, aging and adult services, and children and family services.

The Department of Public Welfare is created, acquiring all the powers, duties, and functions of the Department of Social and Health Services pertaining to public assistance, including, but not limited to, general assistance and aid to families with dependent children.

The Department of Medical and Rehabilitative Services is created, acquiring all the powers, duties, and functions of the Department of Social and Health Services pertaining to medical health and rehabilitation and medical assistance.

The Department of Centralized Services is created, acquiring the support services of the Department of Social and Health Services, including management services, research and planning, legislative and community relations, and constituent relations.

In addition, the responsibilities of the Office of Special Investigations are transferred to the office of the Attorney General.  The Family Policy Council is repealed, and the office of Diversity Initiatives is abolished.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 11, 1996.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed, except for Section 703, which takes effect July 1, 1996.