HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  SB 5015

Title:  An act relating to technical, clarifying, nonsubstantive amendments to community mental health services;  amending RCW 71.24.025, 71.24.030, 71.24.035, 71.24.049, 71.24.110, 71.24.220, 71.24.300, 71.24.400, 71.24.405, 71.24.415, and 71.24.460;  adding a new section to chapter 71.24 RCW;  creating new sections;  repealing RCW 71.24.410;  and repealing 1989 c 205 s 23 (uncodified).

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to community mental health services.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Hargrove, Winsley and Costa..

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:  March 24, 1999.

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

Background:  When community mental health service delivery was changed in 1989, the statutes provided a transitional period between the old service system and the new system organized around regional support networks.  Terms defined in the community mental health statute contained two definitions:  one definition for use during a specified transition time period, and another definition for use at a specified date in the future.

Summary of Bill:  Technical changes are made to the Community Mental Health Services Act to correct obsolete provisions.  Dated terms and definitions are deleted.  Cross references are corrected.  Some substantive provisions, previously contained in a definition, were removed and added as new sections.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  None.

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