HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5048

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Senators Lee, Wojahn, McCaslin, Saling, Rasmussen, Talmadge, Sutherland, von Reichbauer and Nelson; 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 with amendments.  (10)

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

House Staff:Jean Wessman (786-7132)

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended by Committee on Human Services.  (28)

      Signed by Representatives Locke, Chair; Grant, Vice Chair; H. Sommers, Vice Chair; Silver, Ranking Minority Member; Youngsman, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appelwick, Bowman, Braddock, Brekke, Bristow, Dorn, Doty, Ebersole, Ferguson, Hine, Holland, May, McLean, Nealey, Padden, Peery, Rust, Sayan, Spanel, Sprenkle, Valle, Wang and Wineberry.

House Staff:      Sandi Gray (786-7136)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 10, 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 $5.00 fee added to the cost of issuing a marriage license and the sale of "heirloom" birth certificates. Statutory authority for the $5.00 fee expired June 30, 1988.

SUMMARY:

The sunset date, (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 $5.00 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. Two additional members are added to the council.  Appointments shall be made to assure statewide representation.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Human Services) Kip Tokuda, Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

(Appropriations) None Presented.

House Committee - Testified Against:      (Human Services) None Presented.

(Appropriations) None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Human Services) 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.

(Appropriations) None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      (Human Services) None Presented.

(Appropriations) None Presented.