SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6870
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 Reported By Senate Committee On:
Human Services & Corrections, February 07, 2008
Title: An act relating to community public health and safety networks.
Brief Description: Encouraging the creation of new community public health and safety networks in areas with disbanded networks.
Sponsors: Senators Hargrove, Stevens and Spanel.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/07/08 [DPS].
Ways & Means:
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6870 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, Marr and McAuliffe.
Staff: Jennifer Strus (786-7316)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS
Staff: Paula Moore (786-7449)
Background: In 1992 the Legislature created the Family Policy Initiative, which created the
Family Policy Council (FPC) to design and carry out principle-centered, systemic reforms to
improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. The FPC is comprised of the five state
agencies dealing with children and family services, four members of the Legislature and a
representative of the Governor's Office.
In 1994 the Legislature passed the Youth Violence Reduction Act, which established the
Community Public Health and Safety Networks (Networks). The Networks are charged with
improving seven problem behaviors identified by the state: (1) child abuse and neglect; (2) youth
violence; (3) youth substance abuse; (4) teen pregnancy; (5) domestic violence; (6) school
dropout; and (7) teen suicide. All Networks are also working on reducing out-of-home
placements of children in the child welfare system. There are currently 36 networks covering
every area of the state, including five Tribal networks.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee was not considered.
SUMMARY OF BILL (Recommended Substitute): The FPC has an added responsibility to
encourage the formation of a new network in areas previously served by a disbanded network.
The sum of $49,900 is appropriated from the General Fund for fiscal year 2009 to the FPC to
provide a grant to the Skagit County Child and Family Consortium.
Appropriation: $49,900 for fiscal year 2009 from the General Fund to the FPC.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2008.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This bill will fund a restart of the network in Skagit County. Such a restart will enable the community to develop crucial resources to meet the needs of local families. The community has been proactive about gang violence and activity in Skagit County. Skagit County has brought citizens affected by it together and assisted them in how to be proactive. Becoming a network will help sustain the efforts that have been made in the last few years. Skagit County has the infrastructure and capacity to meet all the requirements of becoming a network.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Bob Hicks, Skagit County Youth and Family Services; Linda Nelson, Northwest Educational Service District 189; Carol Hawk, United General Hospital; Margie Reeves, Thurston County Network.