Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services

SB 6284

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.

Brief Description: Regarding expenditures from the public health supplemental account.

Sponsors: Senators Hill and Frockt; by request of Department of Health.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows money from the Public Health Supplemental Account to be used to pay for or add permanent full-time equivalent staff.

Hearing Date: 2/27/14

Staff: Mary Mulholland (786-7391).

Background:

In 2001 the Legislature authorized the Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) to solicit and accept gifts, bequests, devises, or other funds from public and private sources. The Legislature stated its intent that gifts and other funds received by the DOH under the authority of the Secretary be used to expand or enhance public health programs, not to supplant government funds.

In 2001 the Legislature also created the Public Health Supplemental Account (Account). All receipts from gifts, bequests, devises, or other funds that the DOH determines will further the maintenance and improvement of Washington residents' health through the public health system must be deposited in the Account.

Money in the Account may be spent only after appropriation and may only be used to maintain or improve Washington residents' health through the public health system. Expenditures from the Account cannot be used to pay for or add permanent full-time equivalent staff positions.

The DOH is the administrator of the Account. The DOH must file an annual statement on the financial condition, transactions, and affairs of any program funded from the Account to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.

Summary of Bill:

Expenditures from the Account may be used to pay for or add permanent full-time equivalent staff.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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