SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1604

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 Passed Senate, April 13, 2019

Title: An act relating to the Washington center for deaf and hard of hearing youth.

Brief Description: Changing the Washington state center for childhood deafness and hearing loss to the Washington center for deaf and hard of hearing youth.

Sponsors: Representatives Stonier, Harris, Appleton and Jinkins; by request of Washington State Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/04/19, 95-0.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/15/19, 3/22/19 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 4/13/19, 44-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Changes the name of the Washington State Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss to the Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Wellman, Chair; Wilson, C., Vice Chair; Hawkins, Ranking Member; Hunt, McCoy, Padden, Pedersen, Salomon and Wagoner.

Staff: Alex Fairfortune (786-7416)

Background: In 2009, the Legislature established the Washington State Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss to perform the following functions:

Summary of Bill: The name of the Washington State Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss is changed to the Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, and statutory references are changed accordingly.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The deaf community has made it clear that the words we use are very important. This name change acknowledges that the community chooses not to use words of impairment.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Monica Jurado Stonier, Prime Sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.