HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB 1758

Title:  An act relating to the family policy council.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to the family policy council.

Sponsors:  Representative Boldt.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:  February 28, 1997.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  David Knutson  (786-7146).

Background:  The Family Policy Council was created by order of then Governor Gardner to improve services for families requiring assistance from more than one provider.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction, commissioner of Employment Security, secretaries of Health and Social and Health Services, and the director of Community Development worked on strategies to improve service delivery by reducing categorical barriers between programs.  In 1992,  the Family Policy Council was established in statute.  Four legislators were added to the council.  In 1994, the Family Policy Council was directed to reduce the rate of youth violence, out-of-home placements, and other at-risk behaviors.  The council was directed to establish public health and safety networks to address the problems associated with youth violence.

Summary of Bill:  The Family Policy Council is directed to return to the activities it was engaged in prior to the passage of the Youth Violence Act in 1994.  The authority of public health and safety networks to fund services and operate is removed.  A county that contains a network may use the network for planning purposes in its discretion.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  None requested.

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