SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5618

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Children & Family Services & Corrections, February 11, 2003

Title: An act relating to the elimination of reports to the legislature required of the department of social and health services.

Brief Description: Eliminating certain department of social and health services' reporting requirements.

Sponsors: Senators Stevens, Hargrove, Carlson, Regala and Winsley; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Children & Family Services & Corrections: 2/11/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Stevens, Chair; Parlette, Vice Chair; Carlson, Hargrove, McAuliffe and Regala.

Staff: Tony Rugel (786-7754)

Background: The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to file numerous reports with the Legislature on a wide variety of subjects.

Summary of Bill: DSHS is relieved of the duty to file an annual report regarding the following: debt forgiveness by the department; birth control services, information, and counseling; disparity in disposition for juvenile offenders; and the reduction of violence in state hospitals.

DSHS must file an annual report for the year under the following circumstances: when DSHS refuses to accept custody of a child from law enforcement or a child has been released without placement; and when DSHS transfers funds appropriated for foster care to purchase preservation or preventative services.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: Described specific areas where DSHS reporting requirements are altered.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Sherry McNamara, DSHS, pro.