Title: An act relating to assistance to nonprofit organizations.

Brief Description: Regarding assistance to nonprofit organizations.

Sponsors: Senators Brandland, Fraser, Franklin, Kilmer, Kohl-Welles and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/06/08.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff: Brian Sims (786-7431)

Background: The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) administers the Community Services Facilities Program under Chapter 43.63A.125. The program offers grants on a competitive basis to non-profit organizations for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of facilities used for the delivery of nonresidential social services. Grants cannot exceed 25 percent of the total project cost. The non-state portion of the total project cost may include cash, the value of real property when acquired solely for the project purpose, and in-kind contributions. CTED must submit a prioritized list of recommended projects to the Governor and Legislature in its biennial capital budget submission. The total state cost cannot exceed $10 million.

Summary of Bill: The Community Services Facilities Program is expanded to include multipurpose community and cultural centers. CTED and its advisory committee must prioritize projects located in distressed communities in which: a significant percentage of local elementary students receive free and reduced-price meals; or, the county unemployment rate exceeds the statewide average by 120 percent for the previous three years; or, the community meets the Small Business Administration's HUB Zones criteria. The current total limit of $10 million in recommended projects on a biennial project list is removed. If cash funds are appropriated, up to $5 million may be used for technical assistance and planning.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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