SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5360

As of January 31, 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:  Senators Thibaudeau, Winsley and Kohl‑Welles; by request of Department of Health.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/1/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

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:  It is the intent of the Legislature that gifts and other funds received by the Department of Health be used to expand or enhance programs, and not replace government funds.

The Department of Health is authorized to solicit and accept grants, gifts, bequests, devises, and  other public and private funding sources.

Funds received are placed in a new ?public health supplemental account,@ in the custody of  the State Treasurer.  The State Investment Board must invest the funds, and interest earned must  remain in the account.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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