FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5897

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.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Cleveland, Darneille, McAuliffe, Kohl-Welles and Chase).

Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health & Housing

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services

House Committee on Appropriations

Background: In 1973 the Legislature established the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund (CVCF) to cover victims' medical bills and other costs associated with the offender's crime. State law requires the CVCF to pay for initial sexual assault examinations that are conducted for gathering evidence for possible prosecution. These activities are known as the SAFE program. The Washington Administrative Code specifies that the state is the primary payer of this benefit and the client is not required to file an application with the CVCF to receive this benefit. The Washington Department of Labor and Industries administers the funds associated with the CVCF. Currently, child sexual abuse exams are eligible for reimbursement through the SAFE program, but child physical abuse exams are not eligible for CVCF coverage in the same manner as the SAFE program.

Summary: Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this purpose, the CVCF, secondary to any other insurance, is available for reimbursement of costs related to the examination of a suspected victim of assault of a child when the exam is conducted within 75 days of the filing of a petition for dependency by the Department of Social and Health Services. The act expires June 30, 2019.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	49	0
House	97	0