Title: An act relating to protecting vulnerable adults from exposure to methamphetamine manufacturing.

Brief Description: Protecting vulnerable adults from exposure to methamphetamine manufacturing.

Sponsors: House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by 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: Passed House: 2/13/06, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/23/06 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, McAuliffe and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Indu Thomas (786-7536)

Background: In 1999, the Legislature consolidated into one chapter 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.

Summary of Amended Bill: The definition of neglect within the vulnerable adult statute is expanded to include exposure to methamphetamine, or exposure to ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, anhydrous ammonia, or iodine when those substances are being used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Amended Bill Compared to Engrossed Substitute Bill: The definition of neglect indicates that neglect includes conduct prohibited under the criminal statute as opposed to specifying the precursor elements with particularity.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: This legislation adds the exposure to methamphetamine and its precursors with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine to the definition of neglect of a vulnerable adult.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Representative Ericks.