Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Committee |
HB 2039
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 Washington information and referral access account to provide funds for the Washington information network 211 system.
Sponsors: Representatives Springer, Haler, Jenkin, Johnson, Doglio, Dolan, Jinkins, Sawyer, Pettigrew, Robinson, Fitzgibbon, Tarleton and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/17
Staff: Kelci Karl-Robinson (786-7116).
Background:
In 2000 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assigned the abbreviated dialing code 211 for community information and referral services.
In 2003 the 211 dialing code was established as the official state dialing code for public access to information and referral for health and human services and information about access to services after a natural or nonnatural disaster.
The Washington Information Network 211 (WIN 211) is a private, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation dedicated to creating a comprehensive statewide information and referral system. The WIN 211 approves nonprofit service providers to provide 211 information and referral services in their communities.
In 2013 the statewide information and referral network funding was shifted from being supported through a portion of excise taxes that were deposited into the nonappropriated Telephone Assistance Account to being supported by the State General Fund.
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to enter into an agreement with WIN 211 subject to the availability of amounts appropriated.
Summary of Bill:
The Washington Information and Referral Access Account (Account) is created in the custody of the State Treasurer and must be used exclusively for the DSHS to contract with the WIN 211 for operational support. The Account is subject to allotment procedures but an appropriation is not required. Every fiscal year, a minimum of $2 million must be deposited into the new account. The DSHS is required to enter into an agreement with WIN 211 for operational support for a minimum of $2 million per fiscal year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 13, 2017.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.