SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1464

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Children & Family Services & Corrections, March 31, 2003

Title: An act relating to community-based and faith-based social services organizations.

Brief Description: Requiring department of social and health services to work with community-based and faith-based social services organizations.

Sponsors: House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Boldt, Nixon and Anderson).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Children & Family Services & Corrections: 3/21/03, 3/31/03 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Stevens, Chair; Parlette, Vice Chair; Carlson, Deccio, Hargrove and McAuliffe.

Staff: Tony Rugel (786-7754)

Background: The federal government has established an Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives which has the responsibility of strengthening and expanding the role of faith-based and community organizations. It has been suggested that the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) work with the office to help achieve its goals.

Summary of Amended Bill: DSHS designates a person within each of the administrative regions of DSHS to serve as a liaison for community-based and faith-based social services organizations.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill: Redundant and inconsistent activities for the Department of Social and Health Services are eliminated.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: Support was given for the concept of incorporating faith-based social service organizations in the delivery of services to the state's citizens.

Testimony Against: Concerns were raised that the faith-based service providers may encourage conversion to a particular faith, etc.

Testified: PRO: Richard McGrue, Nations Social Services; Jill Esau, We Care N.W.; CON: Jerry Sheehan, ACLU/WA.