SENATE BILL REPORT

E2SHB 1180

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long‑Term Care, March 28, 2001

Title:  An act relating to obtaining and expending funds for the public health system.

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).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  3/22/01, 3/28/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Fraser, Parlette and Winsley.

Staff:  Chelsea Buchanan (786‑7446)

Background:  Under current law, the Department of Health (DOH) is allowed to accept gifts, grants, and other kinds of outside funding.  However, no specific provision in the law allows  DOH to seek out private funds.  According to the Attorney General's Office, legislative authorization is required to allow DOH to solicit funds.

There is interest in enabling DOH to solicit funds for public-private partnerships to enhance  public health services.  Many foundations and corporations have expressed interest in public  health and have funded programs in the United States and internationally.

Summary of Bill:  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 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.

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

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  This version of the bill reflects changes made in the House to address concerns about the underlying bill.  Other state agencies can currently solicit funds.  This bill gives the Department of Health expanded opportunities to fund public health programs with interested private partners, and will not compete with nonprofits.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Eileen Cody, prime sponsor (pro); Mary Selecky, Department of Health (pro).