| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Early Learning & Children's Services Committee | |
HB 2090
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Adding the director of the department of early learning to the family policy council.
Sponsors: Representatives Dickerson, Dunn and Kenney.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/23/07
Staff: Chris Alejano (786-7115).
Background:
The Legislature enacted the Family Policy Initiative in 1992 which created the Family Policy
Council to design and carry out principle-centered, systemic reforms to improve outcomes for
children, youth and families. The Family Policy Council is comprised of 14 members consisting
of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; the Secretary of Social and Health Services; the
Secretary of Health; the Commissioner of the Employment Security Department; the Director of
the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (or their designees); one
Legislator from each caucus of the Senate and House of Representatives; and one Representative
of the Governor.
One of the Council's main activities is working with the State's Community Public Health and
Safety Networks to prevent important social problems such as child abuse and youth substance
abuse. These networks are community-based, volunteer boards, developed to give local
communities more autonomy, resources to help improve the lives of children & families in their
communities, and provide recommendations for policy changes to improve state and local child
and family serving systems.
The Department of Early Learning (DEL) was established in 2006 as an executive branch agency
whose primary duties are to implement early learning policy and to coordinate, consolidate, and
integrate child care and early learning programs to promote an efficient use of funds.
Summary of Bill:
The Director of the DEL, or the director's designee, is added to the Family Policy Council.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.