Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Early Learning & Human Services Committee |
HB 1642
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: Creating the youth substance abuse prevention and education program.
Sponsors: Representatives Pettigrew, Walsh, Walkinshaw, Tarleton, Rodne, Kagi, Reykdal, Goodman, Moscoso, Ormsby and Fey.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/4/15
Staff: Ashley Paintner (786-7120).
Background:
The stated mission of the Washington State Liquor Control Board (Board) is to promote public safety and trust with fair administration and enforcement of liquor, tobacco, and marijuana laws. The Board is composed of three members appointed by the Governor to six-year terms. The Board holds regular public meetings, makes policy and budget decisions, and adjudicates contested license applications and enforcement actions on licensees.
Currently, the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) contracts with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to administer the Washington State Prevention/Early Intervention Program. The program places intervention specialists in local schools to serve those students at risk of using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, as well as those students who have initiated substance use.
Summary of Bill:
The Youth Substance Abuse Prevention and Education Account is created in the State Treasury. The account shall fund the Youth Substance Abuse Prevention and Education Grant Program. The stated purpose of the grant program is to provide funding for community-based and statewide substance education programs designed to reduce initiation of substance use by children and youth.
The Board is required to administer the program and award grant funds from the Youth Substance Abuse Prevention and Education Account to selected organizations who meet the required criteria. To qualify for a grant, organizations must be a statewide nonprofit organization affiliated and in good standing with the standards of a national congressionally chartered organization under Public Law 105-225. Subtitle II of Public Law 105-225 provides a list of recognized patriotic and national organizations such as Big Brothers - Big Sisters of America and the Boys & Girls Club of America. Grant applicants must also meet the following criteria:
offer proven and tested substance abuse education and prevention programs to youth between the ages of 6 and 18;
provide a program in which at least 60 percent of the participants qualify for free and reduced-price lunch;
be facility-based and provide proven and tested recreational, educational, and character-building programs for children;
provide after school and summer programs in a minimum of fifty communities statewide, with youth development services available at least twenty hours weekly during the school year and thirty hours weekly during summer programming;
have adopted standards for care that at a minimum include staff ratios, staff training, health and safety standards, and mechanisms for assessing and enforcing the program's compliance with the standards; and
conduct national criminal background checks for all employees and volunteers who work with children.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.