FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5253

                                  C 230 L 87

BYSenate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Wojahn, Lee, Sellar, Peterson, Gaspard, Halsan, Conner, Deccio, Kreidler, Tanner, Hansen, Stratton, Kiskaddon and Bauer)

Changing provisions relating to displaced homemakers.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections and Committee on Ways & Means

House Committe on Human Services

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1978 a needs assessment for Washington State indicated that as many as 69,000 women had been "displaced" from their previous roles as unpaid homemakers.  These women, through divorce, death of spouse, disability of spouse or loss of family income were often left without steady income and with little formal education or training.  They did not qualify for programs established for wage earners such as unemployment compensation and Social Security.

The Displaced Homemaker Act was passed in 1979 to help these women regain economic security.  The program, currently administered through the Higher Education Coordinating Board, provides funds for two multipurpose centers in Seattle and Spokane where women are given counseling and education to help them qualify for employment.  There are three rural programs in Yakima, Centralia and the Skagit Valley which serve as counseling and referral centers for women looking for help in locating jobs or training.  Most of the actual counseling and education is provided through community colleges under contract with the Displaced Homemaker Program.  In 1982 legislation added an outreach phase which included introductory workshops and a hotline telephone.

Between 1983-85 approximately 1,200 displaced homemakers completed the intensive program, and 17,500 persons received assistance in less formal ways.

The funding for this program is provided by $5 from current marriage license fees.  The biennial budget for displaced homemakers for 1985-87 was $568,000.

The Act expires June 30, 1987.

SUMMARY:

The Displaced Homemaker Act is reauthorized.  The surcharge on marriage licenses which currently finances the Displaced Homemaker Act is increased to $10.  These monies must be earmarked for the program, but deposited into the state general fund.

The Displaced Homemaker Program Advisory Committee is placed in statute.  The committee consists of 22 members from all geographical areas of the state and is to assist and advise in the administration of the program.

Revenue:    Surcharge on marriage license fees is increased from $5 to $10.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    42     6

      House 98   0 (House amended)

      Senate    44     3 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 1, 1987