HB 1619-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Recognizes that Washington state is experiencing a significant shortage of quality foster homes and that the majority of children entering the system are difficult to place due to their complex needs.  The legislature intends to provide additional assistance to those families willing to serve as foster parents.

     Provides that, within available funds and subject to such conditions and limitations as may be established by the department or by the legislature in the omnibus appropriations act, the department of social and health services shall reimburse foster parents for property damaged or destroyed by foster children placed in their care.  The department shall establish by rule a maximum amount that may be reimbursed for each occurrence.  The department shall reimburse the foster parent for the replacement value of any property covered by this act.  If the damaged or destroyed property is covered and reimbursed under an insurance policy, the department shall reimburse foster parents for the amount of the deductible associated with the insurance claim, up to the limit per occurrence as established by the department.

     Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1619-S

                   May 14, 1999

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

  The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 4, Substitute House Bill No. 1619 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to foster parents;"

     Substitute House Bill No. 1619 requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to reimburse foster parents for the replacement value of property damaged or destroyed by foster children in their care.  It requires DSHS to develop rules regarding the maximum amount that may be reimbursed for each occurrence.

     Section 4 of the bill would have required the program to begin by July 1, 1999.  Unfortunately, there is not adequate time between now and July 1, 1999 for DSHS to make the rules necessary to implement this legislation.

     For these reasons I have vetoed section 4 of Substitute House Bill No. 1619.

     With the exception of section 4, Substitute House Bill No. 1619 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor