HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 1837

As Passed House:

March 11, 2003

Title: An act relating to providing flexibility for fire protection districts.

Brief Description: Authorizing certain fire protection districts to establish health clinic services.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Linville, Cody, Haigh, Schual-Berke, Santos, Morrell, Veloria and Chase).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care: 2/19/03, 2/27/03 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/11/03, 92-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Benson, Campbell, Clibborn, Darneille, Edwards, Moeller, Schual-Berke and Skinner.

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Point Roberts, Washington is bounded on three sides by water and shares a common border with Canada. While part of Whatcom County, residents must drive through two international borders to seek medical attention in the county’s largest city, Bellingham. A group of local citizens has attempted to open a health clinic in conjunction with the local fire protection district to serve some of the health needs of area residents. The State Auditor's Office has indicated that the fire protection district does not have the statutory authority to assist with the operation of a health clinic.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

Authorizes a fire protection district that shares a common border with Canada and is surrounded on three sides by water, to participate in the operation and maintenance of health clinics.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: None.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: None.