SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6542

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

        Human Services & Corrections, February 4, 1998

Title:  An act relating to the family policy council.

Brief Description:  Revising the family policy council.

Sponsors:  Senators Stevens, Hargrove, Long, Zarelli, Winsley, Schow and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  1/28/98, 2/4/98 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6542 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Long, Chair; Zarelli, Vice Chair; Franklin, Hargrove, Kohl, Schow and Stevens.

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background:  The Family Policy Council (council) was created in 1992 for the purpose of coordinating the state's efforts in providing services to children and families.  The council's membership includes the chief administrator of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Department of Health, the Department of Social and Health Services, the Employment Security Department, the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, and one legislator from each caucus of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The council's duties were expanded in 1994 to include the implementation and oversight of the Community Public Health and Safety Networks (networks).  The networks were created to empower citizens to exercise their influence over local policy and programs dealing with children and families.  The network consist of 23 members, 13 of which must be citizens with no fiduciary interest in any organization concerning health, education, social service, or criminal justice.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The council's membership is expanded to include two legislators from each caucus of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Each of the 23 network members must sign an affidavit, or a declaration under penalty of perjury, indicating whether they have a fiduciary interest in any health, education, social service, or criminal justice agency.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  A declaration may be substituted for a notarized statement.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The networks are getting more control over social services.  This bill will assist the networks in performing their duties.  Increasing the number of the legislators will increase the accountability for efficiency and effectiveness of the FPC and networks.  Requiring network members sign a statement regarding their fiduciary interest would be simpler than requiring an affidavit.

Testimony Against:  The notarized signature requirement may pose barriers to obtaining citizen participation.

Testified:  Helen Myrick, Pierce County Community Network (pro); Janet Bauml, Thurston County Community Network (pro); Sherwood Korbsjoen (pro).