HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2599

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                       Human Services

Title:  An act relating to sexual assault prevention and awareness.

Brief Description:  Authorizing sexual assault prevention and awareness services through the department of community, trade, and economic development in cooperation with the superintendent of public instruction.

Sponsors:  Representatives H. Myers, Ogden, Quall, Jones, Flemming, Valle, Kremen, Roland, J. Kohl and L. Johnson.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Human Services, February 3, 1994, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Leonard, Chair; Thibaudeau, Vice Chair; Cooke, Ranking Minority Member; Talcott, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Brown; Caver; Karahalios; Lisk; Padden; Patterson and Wolfe.

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:  The Department of Community Development coordinates services to the poor and disadvantaged through private and nonprofit organizations and local government.  These services include education services for preschool children, volunteer services, emergency food assistance, and the provision of human services through community based organizations.  The department does not currently provide for services which provide sexual assault prevention and awareness assistance.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Community Development will coordinate community services including sexual assault prevention and awareness assistance, including assistance to schools through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  July 1, 1994.

Testimony For:  The Department of Community Development is in a good position to coordinate prevention activities related to sexual assault.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Donna DeLeno, Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (pro); and Ann Simons, Washington Women United (pro).