HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2539
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:
Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Title: An act relating to methamphetamine task forces.
Brief Description: Concerning methamphetamine task forces.
Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, VanDeWege, Green, Simpson and Loomis.
Brief History:
Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness: 1/21/08, 1/24/08 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives O'Brien, Chair; Hurst, Vice Chair; Pearson, Ranking Minority Member; Ross, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Goodman and Kirby.
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive substance that affects the central nervous system.
Over the last several years the Legislature has placed restrictions on not only the sale and
distribution of items that are used to manufacture methamphetamine, but has also increased
penalties for those convicted of manufacturing, delivering, or possessing methamphetamine.
Many local law enforcement agencies have created methamphetamine task forces to help
combat the problem of methamphetamine and to help raise awareness to the resources that
are available to communities and those individuals struggling with a methamphetamine
addiction.
The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (DCTED) provides
technical and financial assistance to local governments and community-based organizations.
Among other responsibilities, the DCTED solicits and allocates federal funding for local drug
task forces.
In the 2005-07 biennium, the DCTED distributed approximately $9.5 million in federal
funding to support multi-jurisdictional narcotics task forces and other law enforcement needs.
Of that total amount, a portion of the funding was distributed as follows:
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The DCTED must accept grant applications from local law enforcement agencies, local
jurisdictions, and community organizations seeking funding for the costs associated with the
operation of a methamphetamine task force or methamphetamine prevention program.
Before seeking state funds, each applicant must make a dollar-for-dollar match, using either
cash resources or in-kind funds. Funds allocated by the state must be used to supplement, not
supplant, existing methamphetamine task force funds and resources. Grants awarded to local
law enforcement agencies must be used solely for the operation costs associated with a
methamphetamine task force. Applicants are encouraged to consider regional agreements for
the efficient delivery of distributed funds.
Grant awards are limited to those applicants located in counties with populations of less than
400,000. Grants are capped at $100,000 per recipient and any recipients receiving a grant
may not receive more than one grant per biennium.
A total of $1 million is appropriated from the General Fund to the DCTED to fund the local
methamphetamine grants.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The bill is amended to specifically authorize the local jurisdictions and community
organizations to apply for methamphetamine grant funds as well as law enforcement
agencies. In addition, the amount of grant funds that a single applicant may receive is capped
at $100,000 and an expiration date of June 30, 2009, is added for the entire grant program to
end.
Appropriation: The sum of $1 million is appropriated from the General Fund to the DCTED.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed. However, the bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Organized retail theft costs the industry billions of dollars each year. Many of
those thefts are due to methamphetamine users. The retail industry has been working with
law enforcement throughout the state to help reduce the methamphetamine problem and
hopefully this legislation will help reduce methamphetamine-related crimes in Washington.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Vicky Marin, Washington Retail Association.