SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 2550

As of February 17, 2004

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

Brief Description: Providing liaisons for community-based and faith-based social service organizations.

Sponsors: House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Representative Boldt).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Children & Family Services & Corrections: 2/18/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff: Lilah Amos (786-7429)

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 in many arenas, including provision of social services. It has been suggested that the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) establish a procedure for making use of faith-based and community volunteer organizations to further common goals.

Summary of Bill: DSHS must designate a person in each administrative region to serve as a liaison for community-based and faith-based social services organizations, regardless of denomination. The liaison is directed to provide information to these organizations about opportunities to cooperate in providing services throughout the state, identify where needs throughout the state are not being met, and promote and coordinate involvement of these organizations.

DSHS must include in its contracts with community-based and faith-based social services organizations that receive funds from the department a prohibition against discrimination and against engaging in activities that promote conversion to a particular faith, institution, or cause, unless participation in those activities is voluntary.

DSHS must perform these requirements with existing resources and report annually for four years to appropriate committees of the Legislature on the activities of the liaisons and the identity of the organizations served.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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