Brief Description: Revising provisions relating to disbursement of liquor revolving fund moneys for the purpose of funding alcohol education programs.

Sponsors: Representatives Conway, Condotta and Wood; by request of Liquor Control Board.

Hearing Date: 2/2/05

Staff: Rebekah Ward (786-7106).

Background:

Current alcohol education efforts are coordinated and developed by the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the State Liquor Control Board (Board). The Board is charged with improving public awareness of the heath risks associated with alcohol consumption by youth and alcohol abuse by adults, and to improve liquor licensees' understanding of, and compliance with, alcohol laws and rules. The Board cooperates with federal and state agencies, interested organizations, and individuals to produce an active alcohol awareness program.

Another State Agency, OSPI, is required to administer juvenile alcohol and drug prevention programs for students in Kindergarten through grade 3. A portion of liquor license fees (up to $150,000 annually) is disbursed by the Board from the Liquor Revolving Fund to the General Fund to fund the K-3 program.

Summary of Bill:

A portion of liquor license fees will not be dispersed to fund the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction's juvenile alcohol and drug prevention programs for students in Kindergarten through Grade 3. Instead, $150,000 annually from liquor license fees will be used by the Liquor Control Board to fund the Board's alcohol education initiatives.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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