BP BHEAD INT S

AN ACT Relating to products and services provided by community rehabilitation programs; amending RCW 43.19.520 and 43.19.525; and adding a new section to chapter 43.19 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 43.19.520 and 1974 ex.s. c 40 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) It is the intent of the legislature to ((~~encourage~~)) require state agencies and departments to purchase products and/or services manufactured or provided by ((~~sheltered workshops and programs of the department of social and health services which~~)) community rehabilitation programs that operate facilities serving the ((~~handicapped~~)) severely disabled and disadvantaged citizens of Washington state.

(2) The legislature further recognizes that it is necessary to further the state's existing policy to create opportunities for citizens with severe disabilities, enabling achievement of maximum personal independence through useful, productive and gainful employment, by assuring an expanded constant market for their products and services, thereby decreasing or eliminating their dependence on public support. Providing access to state agencies and departments enhances the ability of community rehabilitation programs to provide long-term employment and training programs for severely disabled and disadvantaged citizens.

Sec. 2. RCW 43.19.525 and 1974 ex.s. c 40 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in RCW 43.19.520 and 43.19.530 ((~~the term "sheltered workshops" shall have~~)) "community rehabilitation programs" has the meaning ascribed to ((it)) sheltered workshops by RCW 82.04.385 ((~~and "programs of the department of social and health services" shall mean the group training homes and day training centers defined in RCW 72.33.800~~)).

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 43.19 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The state use commission is established.

(a) The state use commission shall review and authorize placement of specified product and service contracts on a state use procurement list from which state purchases from community rehabilitation programs shall be made if the contract specifications of quantity, quality, and price are met.

(b) The state use commission shall consist of twelve members appointed by the governor, including: One representative each from: The departments of general administration, social and health services, transportation, community, trade, and economic development, labor and industries; the employment security department; services for the blind; the office of the superintendent of public instruction; the higher education coordinating board; private industry; a consumer advocacy agency; and a central nonprofit agency.

(2)(a) The state use commission shall designate a qualified nonprofit 501(c)(3) central nonprofit agency whose function is to solely represent all community rehabilitation programs with the state use commission and purchasers for the purpose of this section.

(b) The designated central nonprofit agency shall present requests to the state use commission to add products and services to the state use procurement list.

(c) The state shall contract directly with the designated central nonprofit agency for any products and services listed on the state use procurement list under the terms and conditions required by the purchasing department.

(d) The designated central nonprofit agency is responsible for meeting the terms and conditions of each individual contract awarded but shall subcontract with qualified community rehabilitation programs.

(e) The designated central nonprofit agency shall negotiate and charge a fee to each subcontractor.

(f) The designated central nonprofit agency shall supply the state use commission with any reports and documents requested to ensure the intent and integrity of this statute is maintained.

(3) The state use commission may adopt rules to implement this section.