SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1354

BYRepresentatives Pruitt, Sanders, Meyers, Dorn, Rasmussen, Lewis, Anderson, Basich, Heavey, Zellinsky and Cooper

Repealing the sunset of the department of veterans affairs.

House Committe on State Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Zimmerman, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Halsan, Metcalf.

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410)

                  February 24, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, FEBRUARY 23, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Veterans Affairs was created in 1976 by transferring its functions and duties from the Department of Social and Health Services.  The department currently employs 428 FTE's and operates on a budget of nearly $29 million for the 1987-89 biennium, two-thirds of which is from the state general fund.  State law also provides for a 15-member Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee composed primarily of veterans representing congressionally chartered veterans' organizations.

The department administers three major programs. The largest is the operation and maintenance of the two state veterans homes in Retsil and Orting, capable of serving nearly 600 veterans or their dependents.  The department's Field Services program advises and assists veterans in obtaining their full benefits and entitlements, as well as securing readjustment counseling for veterans and their families.  Finally, the guardianship program administers benefits for recipients incapable of acting on their own behalf.

In its 1987 Sunset review report, the Legislative Budget Committee (LBC) concluded that the need for most departmental services will increase, and recommended continuation of the department and the advisory committee.  The Office of Financial Management (OFM) concurred.

SUMMARY:

The sections of statute which provide for the termination of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Affairs Advisory Council on June 30, 1988 are repealed.

In addition, a study is to be made of the nursing care needs of indigent veterans.  The study is to be conducted by the department committee, with a select committee of persons familiar with the issues to be appointed by the department.  The study group is to work with the Department of Social and Health Services and the Office of Financial Management.

A report is to be submitted to the House State Government Committee, the Senate Governmental Operations Committee, and the Ways and Means Committees of the House and Senate no later than November 1, 1988.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested.

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: John Reynolds, Department of Veterans Affairs (for); Doris R. Gross, American Legion (for)