HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2074

             As Reported By House Committee On:

            Trade, Economic Development & Housing

Title:  An act relating to youth employment placement and services.

Brief Description:  Creating a career‑initiative pilot project.

Sponsors:  Representatives Wineberry and J. Kohl.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Trade, Economic Development & Housing, March 2, 1993, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 14 members:  Representatives Wineberry, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Forner, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Campbell; Casada; Conway; Morris; Quall; Schoesler; Sheldon; Springer; Valle; and Wood.

Staff:  Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:  The problem of youth gang violence has increased in recent years.  Local law enforcement agencies, school districts, and state agencies, particularly the Department of Community Development, are working to address the problems associated with youth gang activity and violence.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Career Initiative Pilot Project is established in the Employment Security Department (ESD).  The project provides career opportunities with state agencies to at-risk youth with a high school diploma or equivalent.  The Employment Security Department contracts with a non-profit organization in the Puget Sound region to select trainees for the project and to provide training and support services to the trainees.  Forty-eight positions are to be identified at state agencies for the 1993-95 biennium.  The trainees work for the agencies for one year.  If they successfully complete the program, the trainees may be hired as regular employees; if the agency does not hire the trainees, ESD and the non-profit must attempt to help the trainee find suitable employment. 

The department must report to the Legislature each December. 

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Wording is changed such that the state agency "may" rather than "shall" hire the trainee after the one year project period expires.  If the agency does not hire the trainee, the Employment Security Department and the non-profit organization must attempt to help the trainee find employment.

Fiscal Note:  Requested March 3, 1993 for substitute bill.

Appropriation:  An appropriation of $292,000 is made from the general fund for this pilot project.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  A program needs to be developed to give young high school graduates a good alternative to gangs.  This program will provide training and career counseling services, and place the at-risk youth in a good, professional employment situation with state agencies.  This should lead to a good paying job after the training period expires.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Bob Swenson, Medina Children's Service (supports); Thomas Kennedy, Medina Children's Service (supports); and Marilyn Wolfe, Marshal High School (supports).