HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1645


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness

Title: An act relating to providing the administrator with authority to administer grants on behalf of the health care authority.

Brief Description: Authorizing the administrator of the health care authority to administer grants on behalf of the authority.

Sponsors: Representatives Pedersen, Curtis, Schual-Berke, Ormsby and Moeller; by request of Health Care Authority.

Brief History:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/5/07, 2/14/07 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes the Health Care Authority to issue, distribute, and administer grants.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Campbell, Condotta, Curtis, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

The State Health Care Authority (HCA) is the state agency which administers state employee insurance benefits and the Basic Health Plan, which is a state subsidized health insurance program for low income people. The HCA's authority includes the ability to apply for, receive, and accept grants to implement initiatives and strategies.


Summary of Bill:

It is specified that the primary duties of the HCA includes administering grants that further its mission and goals. The HCA may issue, distribute, and administer such grants.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This is a housekeeping matter for the Health Care Authority. This will allow the Health Care Authority to administer certain programs as grant-issuing programs.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Pedersen, prime sponsor; and Barney Speight and Dennis Martin, Health Care Authority.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.