SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1621

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 Senate Committee On:

Early Learning & K-12 Education, March 24, 2011

Title: An act relating to technical corrections to department of early learning statutes.

Brief Description: Making technical corrections to department of early learning statutes.

Sponsors: House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Orwall, Kagi and Maxwell; by request of Department of Early Learning).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/11, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/23/11, 3/24/11 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Harper, Vice Chair; Litzow, Ranking Minority Member; Eide, Fain, Hill, Hobbs, King, Nelson, Rockefeller and Tom.

Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)

Background: The Department of Early Learning (DEL) was established in 2006 as an executive branch agency, and chapter 43.215 for DEL was added to the Revised Code of Washington. The primary duties of DEL are to implement early learning policy and to coordinate, consolidate, and integrate child care and early learning programs in order to administer programs and funds efficiently. Various powers, duties, and functions within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) were transferred to DEL. When statutory authority was transferred, some obsolete references to DSHS were left in code. Also, outdate descriptions, such as handicapped children, persist in code.

Summary of Bill: The following technical corrections are made to DEL statutes:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill cleans up statutes.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Amy Blondin, DEL.