Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Children & Family Services Committee

HB 2578

Brief Description:  Providing case management and other services to WorkFirst recipients.

Sponsors:  Representatives Nixon, Cox, Boldt, Mielke, Orcutt, Benson, Morell, Mulliken, Ericksen, Sump, Esser, Alexander, Schindler, Schoesler, McMorris, Schmidt, Lisk, Pearson and Casada.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Authorizes the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)  to use performance‑based competitive contracts for all activities related to WorkFirst recipients.

Hearing Date:  1/28/02

Staff:  Deborah Frazier (786‑7152).

Background:

When welfare reform statutes were enacted in 1997, the Legislature authorized the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to use performance‑based competitive contracts for all welfare‑to‑work activities.

A 2001 report by the Economic Services Administration of the DSHS showed over 400 contractors for welfare‑to‑work activities.  The contractors are engaged in a variety of activities, including: adult basic education, learning needs, job skills training and employment retention.

The activities performed by state employees are case management and social work services to persons with multiple barriers to employment.

Classified staff at the DSHS are covered by the State Civil Service Laws, Chapter 41.06 RCW.  Under the Civil Service Laws, a department may contract for goods and services if the contract does not result in "terminating classified employees or classified employee positions existing at the time of the execution or renewal of the contract" (RCW 41.06.380).

Summary of Bill:

The DSHS is authorized to use performance‑based competitive contracts for all activities related to WorkFirst recipients.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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