H-2550.1 _______________________________________________
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1901
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State of Washington 55th Legislature 1997 Regular Session
By House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Mastin, Cooke, Kessler, Boldt, Tokuda, Quall, McDonald, Sherstad, Parlette, Cooper, McMorris, Dyer, Chandler, Backlund, Blalock, Kastama, Sullivan, Mulliken, Linville and O'Brien)
Read first time 03/05/97.
AN ACT Relating to providing vouchers for pregnant minors; adding new sections to chapter 74.12 RCW; creating new sections; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that due to changes in federal and state law the number of pregnant teenagers who need alternative types of residences when they are unable to live with their families is increasing. The legislature also finds that young pregnant women can benefit from a structured environment that provides the opportunity to learn essential parenting and life skills.
Therefore the legislature recognizes the need to increase the number of licensed adult-supervised homes for young pregnant women.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The definitions in this section apply throughout sections 3 and 4 of this act unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Adult-supervised supportive living arrangement" means a private family setting or other living arrangement, not including a public institution, that is maintained as a family setting, as evidenced by the assumption of responsibility for the care and control of the minor parent and dependent child or the provision of supportive services such as counseling, guidance, or supervision. The living arrangement shall be licensed under chapter 74.15 RCW unless not required to be licensed pursuant to RCW 74.15.020(4).
(2) "Department" means the department of social and health services.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The department shall operate a living assistance program that provides vouchers for pregnant unemancipated minors who are receiving assistance through the temporary assistance for needy families program and are otherwise unable to live with their parents, other family members, or a legal guardian. The program may provide vouchers that can be used at state-approved adult‑supervised supportive living arrangements. Vouchers may not be provided for more than twelve months.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. Adult-supervised supportive living arrangements that qualify to participate in the program shall:
(1) Provide twenty-four hour per day adult supervision for minor residents; and
(2) Provide a strong program component that actively engages minor residents. Program components may include, but not be limited to, parenting skills, job-readiness, and financial counseling.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Sections 2 through 4 of this act are each added to chapter 74.12 RCW.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1997, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.
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