HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5809
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 House Committee On:
Appropriations Subcommittee on Education
Title: An act relating to the home visiting services account.
Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to the home visiting services account.
Sponsors: Senator Litzow.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Appropriations Subcommittee on Education: 3/20/13, 4/4/13 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Haigh, Chair; Carlyle, Haler, Maxwell, Pettigrew, Seaquist and Sullivan.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Fagan, Ranking Minority Member; Dahlquist and Wilcox.
Staff: Wendy Polzin (786-7137).
Background:
In 2006 the Legislature established the Department of Early Learning (DEL). At this time it also established a private-public partnership, Thrive by Five Washington (Thrive), to focus on supporting the state's investments in early learning.
In 2010 the Legislature established the Home Visiting Services Account (HVSA), which is administered by the DEL. The HVSA is appropriated for administrative expenses and nonappropriated for all other expenses. The HVSA contains a combination of state and federal funds used for home visiting activities aimed at enhancing child development and well-being, reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect, and promoting school readiness. Expenditures from the HVSA can only be made after private matching funds raised by Thrive are committed and available.
The DEL contracts with Thrive to administer home visiting programs funded through the HVSA. Thrive funds home visiting programs using a competitive bid process.
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Summary of Amended Bill:
The Home Visiting Services Account (HVSA) is changed to be a fully appropriated account. All federal funds received by the Department of Early Learning (DEL) for home visiting must be deposited into the HVSA. The DEL is designated as overseeing the HVSA and is named lead agency for home visiting system development, while Thrive by Five Washington (Thrive) is directed to administer the home visiting service delivery system and support funded programs. The DEL's director and Thrive will determine each fiscal year the private match rate for public funds in the HVSA. The requirement that private funds be available at the time of public expenditure is removed. Thrive must report to the DEL quarterly to demonstrate sufficient investment of private match funds. Thrive is directed to fund programs through a competitive bid process or in compliance with regulations of the funding source. Provisions related to transitional funding of home visiting programs prior to June 30, 2012, are removed.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The Appropriations Subcommittee on Education (Subcommittee) recommended that the matching rate between the Department of Early Learning and the private-public partnership be determined each fiscal year. The Subcommittee also recommended changing the requirement for the private-public partnership to report quarterly instead of regularly. The Subcommittee further recommended removing language which erroneously indicated that the private funds are deposited into the Home Visiting Services Account.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This legislation clarifies the roles of the Department of Early Learning (DEL) and Thrive by Five Washington (Thrive). After the Home Visiting Services Account (HVSA) was created, the state received several federal grants, and this bill aligns the HVSA with federal grant requirements. Only public dollars are invested in the account. Thrive is excited to partner with the DEL. The bill language has been vetted. The legislation helps ensure the home visiting funds go to those who need it most.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Kelli Bohanon, Department of Early Learning; Lauren Hipp, Thrive by Five Washington; and Carol Wood, State Home Visiting Coalition.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.