HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

HB 2369

Brief Description:  Addressing  occupational safety and health impact grants.

Sponsors:  Representatives Conway and Clements

Hearing:  January 19, 2000

                 Brief Summary of Bill

$  Reenacting the Safety and Health Act.

BACKGROUND:

Last session, the Governor signed HB 2232 into law.  The bill established a grant program to fund projects addressing safety and health priorities established by the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) Advisory Committee.  The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) was required to administer the program (please see the HB 2232 bill report for more detail).

The bill contained a null and void clause that required the bill be invalidated if it was not referenced in the appropriations act.  Although funding from the medical aid fund was provided for the grant program in the act, the bill was not specifically referenced.  Hence, the bill was rendered null and void.

In the past year, L&I has administered a safety and grant program according to the language of HB 2232.  Consistent with the bill, a Safety and Health Impact Grant Review Committee was formed and has met approximately twice a month since August.  The committee is currently establishing the application procedure and forms for the program.

Although the department is administering the grant program consistent with HB 2232, the procedures and requirements of the grant program are not set in statute.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

A program is established in the Department of Labor and Industries to provide safety and health grants until July 2005.   The administration requirements, deadlines, purpose, scope and content of the program are identical to those required by HB 2232 (please see attached HB 2232 bill report for more detail).

RULES AUTHORITY:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule making powers of an agency.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of a session in which bill is passed.