HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1901

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                 Children & Family Services

Title:  An act relating to providing vouchers for pregnant minors.

Brief Description:  Providing vouchers to assist pregnant minors living in adult‑supervised homes.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mastin, Cooke, Kessler, Boldt, Tokuda, Quall, McDonald, Sherstad, Parlette, Cooper, McMorris, Dyer, Chandler, Backlund, Blalock, Kastama, Sullivan, Mulliken, Linville and O'Brien.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Children & Family Services:  2/25/97, 3/4/97 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Cooke, Chairman; Boldt, Vice Chairman; Bush, Vice Chairman; Tokuda, Ranking Minority; Kastama, Assistant Ranking Minority; Ballasiotes; Carrell; Dickerson; Gombosky; McDonald and Wolfe.

Staff:  David Knutson (786-7146).

Background:  Pregnant and parenting teenagers are required to live with their parent, adult relative, legal guardian, or in an approved setting in order to receive a grant under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.  If a pregnant or parenting teen needs to live in an approved setting outside the parental or relative=s home, the department reimburses the foster or group home provider directly.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Department of Social and Health Services will provide vouchers that pregnant unemancipated minors can redeem at state-approved adult-supervised supportive living arrangements.  The vouchers may be used for up to 12 months of services at approved living arrangements.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: State-approved living situations must be licensed under Chapter 74.15 RCW, unless exempt from licensure.  Vouchers may be used to purchase up to 12 months of care, instead of a one-time voucher.  Pregnant teenagers may receive vouchers if they are receiving assistance under the TANF program.  The requirement that the Department of Social and Health Services actively seek to place teenagers in faith-based organizations is removed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.  However, the bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.

Testimony For:  Pregnant teenagers need a supportive living situation during their pregnancy.  Faith-based organizations are willing to provide this service.

Testimony Against:  None presented.

Testified:  Miles Musick, New Beginnings Home (pro).