SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5679

As Passed Senate, March 13, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the HIV/AIDS prevention study committee.

Brief Description:  Creating the HIV/AIDS prevention study committee.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Thibaudeau, Deccio, Franklin and Kohl‑Welles).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/21/01, 2/27/01 [DPS].

Passed Senate:  3/13/01, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5679 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Staff:  Rhoda Donkin (786‑7198)

Background:  It has been 13 years since the Legislature passed the AIDS Omnibus Act of 1988 which set in place strategies for a statewide response to the AIDS epidemic at the time.  Since then, the populations being affected by the AIDS virus have changed.  Today an increasing number of young, heterosexual women, people of color, and people in rural communities are HIV positive.  There is interest in changing prevention and funding strategies to reach the current populations being affected by AIDS.

Summary of Bill:  The HIV/AIDS Prevention Study Committee is established consisting of 13 members, including three local public health members, one member from the state Board of Health, four public members, three representing community-based organizations, and one person living with HIV/AIDS.  The state health officer chairs the committee.  The committee  reviews current prevention strategies and analyzes current funding streams.  The department  supplies staffing and coordination.  The committee is directed to submit a report of its findings and propose specific recommendations to update current state AIDS policies.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 15, 2001.

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

Testimony For:  The AIDS epidemic has changed since state policies were created.  We need to look at the changes and how to address them.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Joel Hastings, Lifelong AIDS Alliance (pro): Patty Hayes, DOH (pro); Ward Hinds, WA State Assn. of Local Public Health Officials (pro w/amend).