FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6587

C 45 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Repealing state regulation of eye banks.

Sponsors:  Senators Thibaudeau and Deccio; by request of Department of Health.

Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care

House Committee on Health Care

Background:  Eye banks provide services for collecting and harvesting eye tissue.  Washington has one eye bank licensed by the state to provide corneal tissue for transplantation.  This eye bank is also regulated by the federal government.

The Department of Health has identified the regulation of the corneal eye bank as a potential  budget reduction in compliance with the Governor's proposed budget.

Summary:  RCW 68.50.630, requiring state regulation of eye banks, is repealed.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate460

House970

Effective:  June 13, 2002