Read first time 02/07/2003.   Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

     AN ACT Relating to changing provisions on the department of services for the blind; amending RCW 74.18.010, 74.18.020, 74.18.050, 74.18.060, 74.18.070, 74.18.090, 74.18.110, 74.18.120, 74.18.130, 74.18.140, 74.18.150, 74.18.170, 74.18.180, 74.18.200, 74.18.210, and 74.18.230; adding new sections to chapter 74.18 RCW; creating a new section; and repealing RCW 74.18.160 and 74.18.250.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds and declares the following:
     (1) Thousands of citizens in the state have disabilities, including blindness or visual impairment, that prevent them from using conventional print material.
     (2) Governmental and nonprofit organizations provide access to reading material by specialized means, including books and magazines prepared in braille, audio, and large-type formats.
     (3) Access to time-sensitive or local or regional publications, or both, is not feasible to produce through these traditional means and formats.
     (4) Lack of direct and prompt access to information included in newspapers, magazines, newsletters, schedules, announcements, and other time-sensitive materials limits educational opportunities, literacy, and full participation in society by people with print disabilities.
     (5) Creation and storage of information by computer results in electronic files used for publishing and distribution.
     (6) The use of high-speed computer and telecommunications technology combined with customized software provides a practical and cost-effective means to convert electronic text-based information, including daily newspapers, into synthetic speech suitable for statewide distribution by telephone.
     (7) Telephonic distribution of time-sensitive information, including daily newspapers, will enhance the state's current efforts to meet the needs of blind and disabled citizens for access to information which is otherwise available in print, thereby reducing isolation and supporting full integration and equal access for such individuals.

Sec. 2   RCW 74.18.010 and 1983 c 194 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The purposes of this chapter are to promote ((the economic)) employment and ((social welfare)) independence of blind persons in the state of Washington((, to relieve blind or visually handicapped persons from the distress of poverty)) through their complete integration into society on the basis of equality, and to encourage public acceptance of the abilities of blind persons((, and to promote public awareness of the causes of blindness)).

Sec. 3   RCW 74.18.020 and 1983 c 194 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "Department" means an agency of state government called the department of services for the blind.
     (2) "Director" means the director of the ((state agency)) department of services for the blind. The director is appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate.
     (3) (("Advisory council")) "Rehabilitation council for the blind" means the body of members appointed by the governor in accordance with the provisions of RCW 74.18.070 to advise the state agency.
     (4) "Blind person" means a person who: (a) Has no vision or whose vision with corrective lenses is so ((defective as to prevent the performance of ordinary activities for which eyesight is essential, or who)) limited that the individual requires alternative methods or skills to do efficiently those things that are ordinarily done with sight by individuals with normal vision; (b) has an eye condition of a progressive nature which may lead to blindness; or (c) is blind for purposes of the business enterprise program as set forth in RCW 74.18.200 through 74.18.230 in accordance with requirements of the Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936.
     (5) "Telephonic reading service" means audio information provided by telephone, including the acquisition and distribution of daily newspapers and other information of local, state, or national interest.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 74.18 RCW to read as follows:
     (1)(a) The director shall provide access to a telephonic reading service for blind and disabled persons.
     (b) The director shall establish criteria for eligibility for blind and disabled persons who may receive the telephonic reading services. The criteria may be based upon the eligibility criteria for persons who receive services established by the national library service for the blind and physically handicapped of the library of congress.
     (2) The director may enter into contracts or other agreements that he or she determines to be appropriate to provide telephonic reading services pursuant to this section.
     (3) The director may expand the type and scope of materials available on the telephonic reading service in order to meet the local, regional, or foreign language needs of blind or visually impaired residents of this state. The director may also expand the scope of services and availability of telephonic reading services by current methods and technologies that may be developed. The director may inform current and potential patrons of the availability of telephonic reading services through appropriate means, including, but not limited to, direct mailings, direct telephonic contact, and public service announcements.
     (4) The director may expend moneys from the business enterprises revolving account accrued from vending machine sales in state and local government buildings, as well as donations and grants, for the purpose of supporting the cost of activities described in this section.

Sec. 5   RCW 74.18.050 and 1983 c 194 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     The director may appoint such personnel as necessary, none of whom shall be members of the ((advisory)) rehabilitation council for the blind. The director and other personnel who are assigned substantial responsibility for formulating agency policy or directing and controlling a major administrative division, together with their confidential secretaries, up to a maximum of six persons, shall be exempt from the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW.

Sec. 6   RCW 74.18.060 and 1983 c 194 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department shall:
     (1) Serve as the sole agency of the state for contracting for and disbursing all federal and state funds appropriated for programs established by and within the jurisdiction of this chapter, and make reports and render accounting as may be required;
     (2) Adopt rules, in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
     (3) Negotiate agreements with other state agencies to provide services ((for individuals who are both blind and otherwise disabled)) so that ((multiply handicapped persons and the elderly blind)) individuals of any age who are blind or are both blind and otherwise disabled receive the most beneficial services.

Sec. 7   RCW 74.18.070 and 2000 c 57 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There is hereby created the rehabilitation council for the blind. The rehabilitation council shall consist of the minimum number of voting members to meet the requirements of the rehabilitation council required under the federal rehabilitation act of 1973 as now or hereafter amended. A majority of the voting members shall be blind persons. Rehabilitation council members shall be residents of the state of Washington, and shall ((represent)) be appointed in accordance with the categories of membership specified in the federal rehabilitation act of 1973 as now or hereafter amended. The director of the department ((of services for the blind)) shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member.
     (2) The governor shall appoint members of the rehabilitation council for terms of three years, except that the initial appointments shall be as follows: (a) Three members for terms of three years; (b) two members for terms of two years; and (c) other members for terms of one year. Vacancies in the membership of the rehabilitation council shall be filled by the governor for the remainder of the unexpired term.
     (3) The governor may remove members of the rehabilitation council for cause.

Sec. 8   RCW 74.18.090 and 2000 c 57 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     The rehabilitation council for the blind may:
     (1) Provide counsel to the director in developing, reviewing, making recommendations, and agreeing on the department's state plan for vocational rehabilitation, budget requests, permanent rules concerning services to blind ((citizens)) persons, and other major policies which impact the quality or quantity of services for ((the)) blind persons;
     (2) Undertake annual reviews with the director of the needs of blind ((citizens)) persons, the effectiveness of the services and priorities of the department to meet those needs, and the measures that could be taken to improve the department's services;
     (3) Annually make recommendations to the governor and the legislature on issues related to the department ((of services for the blind)), other state agencies, or state laws which have a significant effect on the opportunities, services, or rights of blind ((citizens)) persons;
     (4) Advise and make recommendations to the governor on the criteria and qualifications pertinent to the selection of the director;
     (5) Perform additional functions as required by the federal rehabilitation act of 1973 as now or hereafter amended.

Sec. 9   RCW 74.18.110 and 1983 c 194 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department ((of services for the blind)) may receive, accept, and disburse gifts, grants, conveyances, devises, and bequests from public or private sources, in trust or otherwise, if the terms and conditions thereof will provide services for ((the)) blind persons in a manner consistent with the purposes of this chapter and with other provisions of law. Any money so received shall be deposited in the state treasury for investment or expenditure in accordance with the conditions of its receipt.

Sec. 10   RCW 74.18.120 and 1989 c 175 s 150 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) ((Any person aggrieved by a decision, action, or inaction of the department or its agents may request, and shall receive from the department, an administrative review and redetermination of that decision, action, or inaction.
     (2) After completion of an administrative review,)) An applicant or ((client aggrieved by)) eligible person who is dissatisfied with a decision, action, or inaction ((of)) made by the department or its agents ((may request, and shall be granted,)) regarding that person's eligibility or department services provided to that person is entitled to an administrative hearing. Such administrative hearings shall be conducted pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW by an administrative law judge.
     (((3))) (2) The applicant or eligible individual may appeal final decisions ((of)) issued following administrative hearings ((shall be the subject of appeal)) under RCW 34.05.510 through 34.05.598.
     (((4) In the event of an appeal from the final decision of an administrative hearing in which the department has overruled the proposed decision by an administrative law judge, the following terms shall apply for an appeal under RCW 34.05.510 through 34.05.598: (a) Upon request a copy of the transcript and evidence from the administrative hearing shall be made available without charge to the appellant; (b) the appellant shall not be required to post bond or pay any filing fee; and (c) an appellant receiving a favorable decision upon appeal shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs.))
     (3) The department shall develop rules governing other processes for dispute resolution as required under the federal rehabilitation act of 1973.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 11   A new section is added to chapter 74.18 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall investigate the conviction records, pending charges, and disciplinary board final decisions of individuals acting on behalf of the department who will or may have unsupervised access to persons with significant disabilities as defined by the federal rehabilitation act of 1973. This includes:
     (a) Current employees of the department;
     (b) Applicants seeking or being considered for any position with the department; and
     (c) Any service provider, contractor, student intern, volunteer, or other individual acting on behalf of the department.
     (2) The investigation shall consist of a background check as allowed through the Washington state criminal records privacy act under RCW 10.97.050, the Washington state patrol criminal identification system under RCW 43.43.832 through 43.43.834, and the federal bureau of investigation. The background check shall include a fingerprint check using a complete Washington state criminal identification fingerprint card. If the applicant or service provider has had a background check within the previous two years, the department may waive the requirement.
     (3) When necessary, applicants may be employed and service providers may be engaged on a conditional basis pending completion of the background check.
     (4) The department shall use the information solely to determine the character, suitability, and competence of employees, applicants, service providers, contractors, student interns, volunteers, and other individuals in accordance with RCW 41.06.475.
     (5) The department shall adopt rules addressing procedures for undertaking background checks which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
     (a) The manner in which the individual will be provided access to and review of information obtained based on the background check required;
     (b) Assurance that access to background check information shall be limited to only those individuals processing the information at the department;
     (c) Action that shall be taken against a current employee, service provider, contractor, student intern, or volunteer who is disqualified from a position because of a background check not previously performed.
     (6) The department shall determine who will pay costs associated with the background check.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 12   A new section is added to chapter 74.18 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Personal information and records obtained and retained by the department concerning applicants and eligible individuals are confidential, are not subject to public disclosure, and may be released only in accordance with law or with this provision.
     (2) The department shall adopt rules and develop contract language to safeguard the confidentiality of all personal information, including photographs and lists of names. Rules and contract language shall ensure that:
     (a) Specific safeguards are established to protect all current and future stored personal information;
     (b) Specific safeguards and procedures are established for the release of personal health information in accordance with the health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, 45 C.F.R. 160 through 45 C.F.R. 164;
     (c) All applicants and eligible individuals and, as appropriate, those individuals' representatives, service providers, cooperating agencies, and interested persons are informed upon initial intake of the confidentiality of personal information and the conditions for accessing and releasing this information;
     (d) All applicants or their representatives are informed about the department's need to collect personal information and the policies governing its use, including: (i) Identification of the authority under which information is collected; (ii) explanation of the principal purposes for which the department intends to use or release the information; (iii) explanation of whether providing requested information to the department is mandatory or voluntary and the effects of not providing requested information; (iv) identification of those situations in which the department requires or does not require informed written consent of the individual before information may be released; and (v) identification of other agencies to which information is routinely released; and
     (e) An explanation of department policies and procedures affecting personal information will be provided at intake or on request to each individual in that individual's native language and in an appropriate format including but not limited to braille, audio recording, electronic media, or large print.

Sec. 13   RCW 74.18.130 and 1983 c 194 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department shall provide a program of vocational rehabilitation to assist blind persons to overcome ((vocational handicaps)) barriers to employment and to develop skills necessary for ((self-support)) employment and ((self-care)) independence. Applicants eligible for vocational rehabilitation services shall be blind persons ((who are blind as defined in RCW 74.18.020 and)) who also (((1) have no vision or limited vision which constitutes or results in a substantial handicap to employment and (2) can reasonably be expected to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services in terms of employability)) meet eligibility requirements as specified in the federal rehabilitation act of 1973.

Sec. 14   RCW 74.18.140 and 1983 c 194 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department ((may provide to eligible individuals)) shall ensure that vocational rehabilitation services((, including medical and vocational diagnosis; vocational counseling, guidance, referral, and placement; rehabilitation training; physical and mental restoration; maintenance and transportation; reader services; interpreter services for the deaf; rehabilitation teaching services; orientation and mobility services; occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices; and other goods and services which can be reasonably expected to benefit a client in terms of employability)) in accordance with requirements under the federal rehabilitation act of 1973 are available to meet the identified requirements of each eligible individual in preparing for, securing, retaining, or regaining an employment outcome that is consistent with the individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.

Sec. 15   RCW 74.18.150 and 1996 c 7 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department may grant to eligible participants in the vocational rehabilitation ((clients)) program equipment and materials ((not to exceed the amount allowed by state financial policies and regulations)) in accordance with the provisions related to transfer of capital assets as set forth by the office of financial management in the state administrative and accounting manual, provided that the equipment or materials are required by the ((client's)) individual's ((written rehabilitation program)) plan for employment and are used ((by the client or former client)) in a manner consistent therewith. The department shall adopt rules to implement this section.

Sec. 16   RCW 74.18.170 and 1983 c 194 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department may establish, construct, and/or operate rehabilitation or habilitation facilities to provide instruction in alternative skills necessary to adjust to blindness or substantial vision loss, to assist blind persons to develop increased confidence and independence, or to provide other services consistent with the purposes of this chapter. The department shall adopt rules concerning selection criteria for participation, services, and other matters necessary for efficient and effective operation of such facilities.

Sec. 17   RCW 74.18.180 and 1983 c 194 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department((, to the extent appropriations are made available,)) may provide a program of independent living services for ((independent living designed to meet the current and future needs of)) blind ((individuals)) persons who ((presently cannot function independently in their living environment, but who may benefit from services that will enable them to maintain contact with society and perform some tasks of daily living independently)) are not seeking vocational rehabilitation services.
     (2) Independent living services may include, but are not limited to, instruction in adaptive skills of blindness, counseling regarding adjustment to vision loss, and provision of adaptive devices that enable service recipients to participate in the community and maintain or increase their independence.

Sec. 18   RCW 74.18.200 and 1985 c 97 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply in RCW 74.18.200 through 74.18.230.
     (1) "Business enterprises program" means a program operated by the department under the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 107 et seq., and under this chapter in support of blind persons operating vending businesses in public buildings.
     (2) "Vending facility" means any stand, snack bar, cafeteria, or business at which food, tobacco, sundries, or other retail merchandise or service is sold or provided.
     (3) "Vending machine" means any coin-operated machine that sells or provides food, tobacco, sundries, or other retail merchandise or service.
     (4) "Blind person" means a person whose central visual acuity does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses or whose visual acuity, if better than 20/200, is accompanied by a limit to the field of vision in the better eye to such a degree that its widest diameter subtends an angle of no greater than twenty degrees. In determining whether an individual is blind, there shall be an examination by a physician skilled in diseases of the eye, or by an optometrist, whichever the individual selects.
     (5) "Licensee" means a blind person licensed by the state of Washington under the Randolph-Sheppard Act, this chapter, and the rules issued hereunder.
     (((5))) (6) "Public building" means any building and immediately adjacent outdoor space associated therewith, such as a patio or entryway, which is: (a) Owned by the state of Washington or any political subdivision thereof or any space leased by the state of Washington or any political subdivision thereof in any privately-owned building; and (b) dedicated to the administrative functions of the state or any political subdivision((: PROVIDED, That any vending facility or vending machine)). However, this term shall not include property under the jurisdiction and control of a local board of education ((shall not be included)) without the consent ((and approval)) of ((that local)) such board.
     (7) "Priority" means the department has first and primary right to operate the food service and vending facilities, including vending machines, on federal, state, county, municipal, and other local government property except those otherwise exempted by statute. Such right may, at the sole discretion of the department, be waived in the event that the department is temporarily unable to assert the priority.

Sec. 19   RCW 74.18.210 and 1983 c 194 s 21 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department shall maintain or cause to be maintained a business enterprises program for blind persons to operate vending facilities in public buildings. The purposes of the business enterprises program are to implement the Randolph-Sheppard Act and thereby give priority to qualified blind persons in operating vending facilities on federal property, to make similar provisions for vending facilities in public buildings in the state of Washington and thereby increase employment opportunities for blind persons, and to encourage ((the)) blind persons to become successful, independent business persons.

Sec. 20   RCW 74.18.230 and 2002 c 71 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There is established in the state treasury an account known as the business enterprises revolving account.
     (2) The net proceeds from any vending machine operation in a public building, other than an operation managed by a licensee, shall be made payable to the business enterprises program, which will pay only the blind vendors' portion, at the subscriber's rate, for the purpose of funding a plan of health insurance for blind vendors, as provided in RCW 41.05.225. Net proceeds, for purposes of this section, means ((the)) gross ((amount received)) sales less ((the costs of the operation, including)) state sales tax and a fair minimum return to the vending machine owner or service provider, which return shall ((not exceed)) be a reasonable amount to be determined by the department.
     (3) All federal moneys in the business enterprises revolving account shall be expended only for development and expansion of locations, equipment, management services, and payments to licensees in the business enterprises program.
     (4) The business enterprises program shall be supported by the business enterprises revolving account and by income which may accrue to the department pursuant to the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 21   The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:
     (1) RCW 74.18.160 (Vocational rehabilitation -- Orientation and training center) and 1983 c 194 s 17; and
     (2) RCW 74.18.250 (Specialized medical eye care -- Prevention of blindness) and 1983 c 194 s 24.