FINAL BILL REPORT

E2SHB 1180

C 80 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Obtaining and expending funds for the public health system.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, Marine, Ruderman, McMorris and Schual‑Berke; by request of Department of Health).

House Committee on Health Care

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care

Background:

The Department of Health (DOH) is authorized to accept gifts, grants, or other funds.  Current statutory language does not authorize the department to solicit funds from public and private sources.

If the department receives gifts or grants, the funds are either treated as unanticipated receipts requiring Office of Financial Management approval, or are deposited in the general fund, requiring appropriation by the Legislature.

Summary:

The DOH is authorized to solicit and accept grants, gifts, bequests, devises, and other public and private funding sources.  It is the intent of the Legislature that gifts and other funds received by the DOH be used to expand or enhance programs, and not replace government funds.

All receipts from gifts and other funds must be deposited in a new "public health supplemental account" in the state treasury.  Funds may only be expended after appropriation. Funds must be used to maintain and improve the health of Washington residents through the public health system and may not be used to pay for or add permanent full-time staff positions.

The DOH must file an annual report on the financial condition of any program funded under this act with the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Votes on Final Passage:

House8014

Senate406

Effective:  July 22, 2001