SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 567

BYHouse Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Nutley, McMullen, Allen, Wang, Cantwell, Scott, Brough, Winsley, Unsoeld, Leonard, Padden, Cooper, Lewis, R. King, Holm, L. Smith, Betrozoff, May, Sprenkle, Todd, Spanel and Miller)

Providing funding sources for county domestic violence prevention programs.

House Committe on Human Services

Senate Committee on Children & Family Services

Senate Hearing Date(s):April 2, 1987; February 17, 1988; February 25, 1988

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended.

     Signed by Senators Kiskaddon, Chairman; Bailey, Vice Chairman; Craswell, McDonald, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Jennifer Strus (786-7472)

                February 26, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES, FEBRUARY 25, 1988

BACKGROUND:

County auditors are required by statute to charge $23 to issue marriage licenses.  Of the $23, $8 is used for administrative costs, $5 is for the Council on Child Abuse Prevention which fee expires June 30, 1988, and $10 is for the Displaced Homemakers Program.  RCW 26.12.220 allows the counties to charge an additional fee up to $8 for funding of family courts.

SUMMARY:

The $8 administrative fee is increased to $10.  When authorized by the county legislative authority, county auditors are directed to collect an additional fee to issue marriage licenses.  This fee, which is not to exceed $17, is to be used solely for funding domestic violence prevention programs and services in the county, including shelters and the processing of domestic violence complaints and charges.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENTS:

The counties are permitted to assess an additional amount not to exceed $17 to the regular dissolution filing fee.  That excess money shall be deposited in the county fund and used solely for domestic violence prevention programs and services.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    available

Senate Committee - Testified:   Representative Busse Nutley, (for); Kurt Sharar, Washington State Association of Counties (for); Fred Saeger, Washington Association of County Officials (for); Lonnie Johns-Brown, Domestic Violence Programs (for); Pat Thibadeau, Washington Women United (for)