SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5258

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.

As Passed Senate, March 6, 2007

Title: An act relating to the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Brief Description: Concerning members of the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Sponsors: Senators Regala, Stevens and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/25/07 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/06/07, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

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

Staff: Kiki Keizer (786-7430)

Background: The Legislature established the Washington Council on the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (Council) in 1982. The Council comprises 14 members who are charged with contracting with organizations or individuals for the establishment of programs designed to reduce the occurrence of child abuse and neglect and promote good parenting skills. Members include designees of the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Secretary of the Department of Health, as well as other persons selected for their interest and expertise in the prevention of child abuse. Four legislative members serve as ex officio members of the Council.

Summary of Bill: The Director of the Department of Early Learning, or the Director's designee, is added to the Council.

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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Council helps communities build capacity for programs that address the most important part of early learning, and that's developing good parenting skills. The Council fosters collaboration between citizen members, legislative members, and members of the executive branch, and it is important to add someone from the Department of Early Learning to that discussion.


Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Debbie Regala, prime sponsor; Kristen Rogers, Washington Council on the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.