HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1619

Title:  An act relating to foster  parents;  amending RCW 74.14B.080;  creating a new section;  making an appropriation;  providing an effective date;  and declaring an emergency.

Brief Description: Changing the liability insurance of foster parents.

Sponsors:Representatives McDonald, Kagi, Boldt, Lovick, Tokuda, Wood, Clements, Carrell, D. Schmidt, Linville, Dickerson, O'Brien, Mielke, Kenney and Haigh.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:February 11, 1999.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Dave Knutson  (786-7146).

Background:  The Department of Social and Health Services provides liability insurance to licensed foster parents.  The liability coverage includes liability, injury and property damage claims filed against foster parents.  The total amount that may be expended on liability insurance claims cannot exceed five hundred thousand dollars per biennium.

Summary of Bill:  The liability insurance provided by the Department will reimburse foster parents for the replacement value of the item damaged or destroyed by a foster child.  The total amount that may be expended on liability insurance claims is increased from five hundred thousand dollars to one million dollars per biennium.

Appropriation:$290,000.00.

Fiscal Note:Available.

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.