SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5598

BYSenate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Vognild, Metcalf, Bailey, Conner, Moore, Bender, Wojahn, Rasmussen, Bauer and Kiskaddon)

Establishing a distribution formula for grants to counties under the community mental services act.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 4, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5598 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Deccio, Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Jean T. Soliz (786-7755)

                  March 19, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Social and Health services is designated as the state mental health authority.  The statutes provide general guidance as to the method for distribution of mental health funds to counties and require the Department to propose a funding formula in the biennial budget documents.  Concerns exist regarding the ability of counties to project the amount of funds they will receive and the funding formula to the mandated service priorities the counties must follow.

SUMMARY:

DSHS is required to create a new formula for redistribution of mental health funds to counties under the Community Mental Health Services Act.  The formula is to be based on service priority populations and local demographic factors.  The Department will report to the Legislature by January 1, 1988 regarding the proposed formula and the fiscal impact of the formula on counties and service priority populations, including children.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Lyle Quasim, DSHS; Carol Greenough, King County