HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB 1901

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.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:  February 25, 1997.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  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 program.  If a pregnant or parenting teen needs to live in an approved setting outside the parental or relative=s home, the department would reimburse the foster or group home provider directly.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Social and Health Services will provide a one-time voucher that pregnant unemancipated minors can redeem at state-approved adult-supervised supportive living arrangements.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 17, 1997.

Effective Date:  Immediately.