HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 2024

Brief Description:  Prohibiting the use of state funds for promoting a sexual minority initiative.

Background:

The Sexual Minority Initiative is one of the diversity initiatives of the Office of Access and Equity in the Department of Social and Health Services.  In general, the diversity initiatives produce  work plans for  DSHS programs establishing goals and objectives for service delivery to diverse populations.  Quarterly status reports are published to measure each program=s progress in meeting the goals and objectives. 

The 1995-97 Biennial Operating Budget included a reduction of $100,000 General Fund-State for the elimination of the Sexual Minority Initiative in DSHS.  No budget language was included prohibiting DSHS from spending other funds on this activity and DSHS re-allotted funds internally to continue the activity.

Summary:

Prohibits the use of public funds by any agency of state government to produce, publish, or promote a sexual minority initiative.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.