SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8044

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Children & Family Services & Corrections, February 3, 2004

Brief Description: Requesting congress to pass a federal 211 act.

Sponsors: Senators Carlson and Brown.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Children & Family Services & Corrections: 2/3/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

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

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: During the 2003 legislative session, the Senate Children and Family Services and Corrections Committee heard testimony on a bill to establish a 2-1-1 telephone service in Washington State. The companion House bill was enacted into law, supporting the establishment of a comprehensive statewide information and referral network for human services and disaster related information.

Summary of Bill: The Senate and the House of Representatives request that the Congress of the United States immediately pass the federal Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2003, HR3111 and SB 1630. This act recognizes the value of an easy to use telephone number to access critical community services and outlines funding through a federal grant process.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Testimony For: Quick easy access to social service information benefits those in urban communities as well as rural communities. Significant funding will come from philanthropic sources.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Senator Don Carlson, prime sponsor, Tom Page, Executive Director, WIN 211.