SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 152
BYHouse Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Brekke, Winsley, Sutherland, H. Sommers, Leonard, Jacobsen, Moyer, Scott, P. King and Lewis; by request of Department of Social and Health Services)
Revising the membership and duties of the state advisory committee to the department of social and health services.
House Committe on Human Services
Senate Committee on Children & Family Services
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 18, 1988
Senate Staff:Carol Pedigo (786-7417)
AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 1988
BACKGROUND:
The State Advisory Committee (SAC) to the Department of Social and Health Services was created along with the department in 1971. Its purposes were to serve in an advisory capacity to the secretary and upon acquainting itself with departmental functions, make recommendations on changes. In 1985 the Legislature added to the SAC's responsibilities the duty to review other departmental advisory committees and regional advisory committee representatives were required to be members of the State Advisory Committee.
SUMMARY:
In order to increase recruitment of members and improve the flexibility of choice, the membership of the State Advisory Committee is increased from 15 to 20 and terms are shortened from four to three years. Geographic balance is to be considered in appointing members. An unexpired term is considered a full term when one-half of the regular term is served.
The requirement for each Regional Advisory Committee to have one member on the State Advisory Committee is deleted. Instead, the SAC has the duty to encourage each regional committee to send a member to the state committee meetings.
The duty to review other departmental advisory committees is revised to include federal and state mandated committees and is to be completed by January 1, 1989. An additional duty for the SAC to encourage public awareness and understanding of the department and its programs and services is added.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: available