SENATE BILL REPORT

2SHB 813

BYHouse Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Leonard, Ebersole, Armstrong, Brekke, Allen, Locke, May, Jacobsen, Lux, K. Wilson, Cole, Nutley, Cooper, Rayburn, Moyer, Unsoeld, Schoon, Hine, Taylor, Scott, Winsley, Meyers, Bumgarner, Belcher, Walker, O'Brien, R. King, Dellwo, P. King, Wineberry, Fisch, Rasmussen and Todd)

Creating a governor's commission on children.

House Committe on Human Services

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):April 2, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

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

Senate Staff:Carol Pedigo (786-7471)

                April 2, 1987

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):April 6, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended by Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Deccio, Fleming, Kreidler, Lee, Moore, Rinehart, Saling, Talmadge, Vognild, Warnke, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Suzanne Petersen (786-7715)

                April 6, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, APRIL 6, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Information about the needs of our state's children is often received piecemeal from agencies and providers who may only deal with narrowly defined areas of need.  In addition, there is concern that data from the Department of Social and Health Services or advocacy groups may not go beyond the data required to address immediate specific concerns, frequently of a financial nature.  It is felt that the problems faced by today's children and youth are of such a serious and complex nature that an appropriate high-level, visible and coordinated effort is required to identify those needs and plan for providing the services necessary to meet them.  A long-range plan is needed to provide prevention and intervention strategies and a coordinated continuum of care system.  Public and private support and involvement is necessary in this commitment to the children of our state.

SUMMARY:

A Governor's Commission on Children is established to create a long-term plan for the coordinated delivery of services to the state's children.  The commission is made up of legislators, industry representatives, service providers, and private citizens including a service recipient.  Specified public officials are included as ex-officio members.  The terms and conditions of office are specified.

The plan developed by the commission shall include:  1) needs assessment;  2) identification of current services;  3) recommendations for effective methods for implementation of a coordinated system;  4) development of a management system;  5) reduction of overlaps and gaps in services; and, 6) expansion of system coordination and funding prioritization.  The first report on the plan is due January 10, 1988 and a final report is due October 1, 1988.

The responsibilities of the commission in acquiring the information necessary for the plan are listed.  An allowance for staff and such services as are needed is made.  The chapter is to be implemented within available funds.  The commission shall expire November 1, 1988.

Fiscal Note:    available

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 1987.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Language allowing the Governor to dismiss members for lack of contribution is deleted.

Senate Committee - Testified:   HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS:  Representative June Leonard, prime sponsor; John LaVeque, Executive Director, Washington State Alliance for Children, Youth and Families

Senate Committee - Testified:   WAYS & MEANS:  No one