SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6524

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 of February 4, 2012

Title: An act relating to the family policy council and the council for children and families.

Brief Description: Delaying elimination of the family policy council and the council for children and families.

Sponsors: Senators Hargrove and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/31/12, 2/02/12 [DPS, DNP].

Ways & Means:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6524 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Harper, McAuliffe and Padden.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Regala, Vice Chair.

Staff: Jennifer Strus (786-7316)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff: Megan Atkinson (786-7446)

Background: Family Policy Council (FPC). FPC was established to modify public policy and programs to empower communities to support and respond to the needs of individual families and children, and to improve the responsiveness of services for children and families at risk by facilitating greater coordination and flexibility in the use of funds by state and local service agencies.

FPC must:

FPC partners with approximately 42 community public health and safety networks.

Council for Children and Families (CCF). CCF was established to increase educational programs and services to prevent child abuse and neglect in partnership between communities, citizens, and the state.

CCF is authorized to contract with public or private nonprofit organizations, agencies, schools, or with qualified individuals for the establishment of a range of community-based programs and services designed to reduce child abuse and neglect. CCF is also charged with:

E2SHB 1965, passed during the 2011 legislative session, eliminated FPC and CCF effective June 30, 2012. The community networks were preserved.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The date for eliminating FPC is extended one year to June 30, 2013.

The duties of FPC are changed and are as follows:

The transition plan is to be delivered to the appropriate legislative committees no later than November 15, 2012.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute as Passed Committee): Provisions relating to CCF are removed from the bill so that CCF expires on June 30, 2012.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 26, 2012.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill contains several effective dates. Please refer to the bill.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony as Heard in Committee (Human Services & Corrections): PRO: This bill protects the state's investment in community capacity building efforts by the networks by allowing the time for a thoughtful transition. This bill more clearly defines the state's role in the transition. The bill keeps the continuity of the networks intact. The bill continues the credibility and continuity the system has developed over time. Private partners have indicated an interest in continuing to support the work of the networks, and it makes sense to continue the work of FPC during the transition period so that the transition can be much smoother.

Persons Testifying (Human Services & Corrections): PRO: Rob Beem, Community Networks Coalition; Marian Harrison, Snohomish County Network; Geoffrey Morgan, Whatcom County Network.