SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6608

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

        Human Services & Corrections, February 1, 2000

Title:  An act relating to assuring accountability in delivery of human services.

Brief Description:  Allowing a writ of mandate when a state human services agency fails to perform specified duties.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove and Fairley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  2/1/2000 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Costa, Vice Chair; Franklin, Long, Stevens and Zarelli.

Staff:  Jennifer Strus (786-7484)

Background:  The Legislature is frustrated that state agencies do not consistently implement legislative directives.

Summary of Bill:  A writ of mandate (mandamus) may be issued when a "state human services agency" fails to provide a statutorily mandated report to the Legislature.  A "state human services agency" is defined as the Department of Social and Health Services, the Department of Health, the Employment Security Department, the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.  A writ of mandate may also be issued when a "state human services agency" fails to meet a statutory mandate or does not implement a statute that requires the agency to perform a duty.  A legislator is a party of interest and has standing to seek a writ of mandate for the reasons specified in the bill.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.