HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2895
As Reported by House Committee On:
Children & Family Services
Title: An act relating to protecting vulnerable adults from exposure to methamphetamine manufacturing.
Brief Description: Protecting vulnerable adults from exposure to methamphetamine manufacturing.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Curtis, Ericks, O'Brien, Dunshee, Kessler, Blake, Clibborn, McCoy, Miloscia, Ahern, Roberts, McDermott, Hunt, McDonald, Williams, Haler, McCune, Kenney, Morrell, Wallace, Kilmer, Green, Springer, Ormsby and Woods.
Brief History:
Children & Family Services: 1/25/06, 2/1/06 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Kagi, Chair; Roberts, Vice Chair; Walsh, Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Darneille, Dickerson, Dunn, Haler and Pettigrew.
Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).
Background:
In 1999, the Legislature consolidated into one chapter the various provisions relating to the
protection of vulnerable adults. The purpose of the vulnerable adults chapter is to provide the
Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and law enforcement agencies with
authority to investigate complaints of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect
of vulnerable adults. The vulnerable adults chapter includes mandatory reporting and
investigations of allegations of neglect or abuse of vulnerable adults.
A vulnerable adult includes persons who:
(1) are age 60 years and over who have a functional, physical, or mental inability for
self-care;
(2) have been found to be incapacitated;
(3) have a developmental disability;
(4) reside in nursing homes, adult family homes, residential habilitation centers, and other
licensed facilities; or
(5) are receiving hospice or home health services.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The definition of neglect within the vulnerable adult statute is expanded to include exposure
to methamphetamine, or exposure to ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or anhydrous ammonia
when those substances are being used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The definition of neglect rather than the definition of physical abuse is expanded under the
vulnerable adult statute. The additional language is made consistent with the criminal statute
which addresses exposure to methamphetamine or to certain substances when those
substances are being used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: We have a meth plague in our state. The physical dangers of methamphetamine manufacturing are well-documented, including toxic fumes, explosions, and fires. What's more, those who live under the care of methamphetamine makers are much more likely to be abused, neglected, and to live in unsanitary conditions. As you know, we have taken steps to protect children from meth manufacturers. This bill addresses another group who, all too often, falls victim to meth makers. Vulnerable adults are dependent upon their care givers and have few avenues of relief available to them. This bill gives prosecutors one more tool to use against meth makers. This is a small, but important, step.
Testimony Against: None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Lovick, prime sponsor.