HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1029

BYRepresentatives Brekke, Silver, Holland, Fuhrman, H. Sommers, Sayan, O'Brien, Leonard, R. King, Ballard, Anderson, Jesernig, Winsley, P. King, Schoon, Rector, Cooper, Jones, H. Myers, Wineberry, Patrick, Kremen, Gallagher, Miller, Locke, Phillips, Bristow and K. Wilson; by request of Legislative Budget Committee

Extending the council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

House Committe on Human Services

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Bristow, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Moyer, Ranking Republican Member; Tate, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Anderson, Brekke, Hargrove, Leonard, Padden, Raiter and Winsley

House Staff:Jean Wessman (786-7132)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES FEBRUARY 20, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect was created in 1982 as a two-year demonstration project to assist with programs for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.  It was re-established in 1984 as an ongoing entity subject to the Washington State Sunset Act of 1977. The original sunset date was June 30, 1989, subject to a Legislative Budget Committee audit of the Council's efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out its statutory mandate.

The Council's duties include contracting with agencies, organizations, schools, and individuals for the establishment of community-based educational and service programs to reduce the incidence of abuse and neglect; facilitating the exchange of information between groups concerned with families and children; consulting with state bodies regarding the effectiveness, efficiency, and need for prevention programs; and administering the funds deposited in the Children's Trust Fund.

Revenue for the Council is generated from a $5 fee added to the cost of issuing a marriage license and the sale of "heirloom" birth certificates.

SUMMARY:

The sunset (termination) date, for the Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect is extended to June 30, 1994 with one additional year allowed for the gradual withdrawal of its functions and responsibilities.

The $5 fee added to the cost of issuing a marriage license is continued until June 30, 1995.

All of the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the Council are continued until June 30, 1995.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 16, 1989

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Fred Tilker, Legislative Budget Committee; Kip Tokuda, Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse; Lonnie Johns-Brown, Washington Association of Child Abuse Councils; Joan Poliak, Washington Council of Child Abuse and Neglect; T.K. Bentler for Pat Thibaudeau, Child Haven.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect performs an important function in administering and monitoring grants for effective prevention and early intervention programs to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect.  It is the only such agency operating in Washington State with the charge of promoting and funding prevention programs and becomes a useful vehicle for administering special programs such as parenting education that the Legislature authorizes. The Council also acts as a successful advocate for prevention programs among local communities and the public and private sector.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.