HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                    ESB 6537

Brief Description:  Allowing the liquor board to receive grants and other funds or donations to                implement programs about alcohol and tobacco.

Sponsors:  Senators Schow, Heavey, Winsley and T. Sheldon.

                             Hearing:  February 19, 1998

BACKGROUND:

The Liquor Control Board may accept and disburse, subject to appropriation, federal grants, donations or other funds from any source to improve the public awareness of the health risks associated with alcohol consumption by youth and the abuse of alcohol by adults.

The Liquor Control Board is charged with enforcement of the laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors as well as the purchase of tobacco by minors.  The Liquor Control Board has no authority to accept federal funds or donations from other sources to improve the public awareness related to the use of tobacco. 

The board's alcohol awareness program must cooperate with federal and state agencies, interested organizations and individuals to implement an active alcohol awareness program.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

The board is authorized to receive federal grants, donations and other funds for improving public awareness of safety as well as health risks of alcohol and tobacco consumption by youth and the use and abuse of both alcohol and tobacco by adults.  However, manufacturers, retailers or wholesalers of alcohol or tobacco products may not donate funds to the board.  The board's enforcement program must work with other agencies, organizations and individuals to implement an active alcohol and tobacco awareness program.

RULES AUTHORITY:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule making powers of an agency.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.