SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6100
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:
Human Services & Corrections, January 20, 2012
Title: An act relating to clarifying and updating the administration of sexual assault grant programs by the department of commerce.
Brief Description: Updating the administration of the sexual assault grant programs.
Sponsors: Senators Hargrove and Roach.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/20/12 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6100 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Harper, McAuliffe and Padden.
Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)
Background: The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) within the Department of Commerce administers state General Fund and federal grant programs to provide services to victims of sexual assault. Programs administered by OCVA include Sexual Assault Services, Victims of Crime Act, Sexual Assault Services Program, Rape Prevention and Education Program, and Community Health Block. These programs provide services for approximately 12,000 new victims of sexual assault each year. These programs ensure that every geographic county has a community sexual assault program that provides an array of services available at no cost and on a 24/7 basis to victims of sexual assault in their community.
The Revised Code of Washington contains provisions related to services for victims of sexual assault which go back to 1979. In some instances, language has become outdated or no longer reflects the work that is actually performed by OCVA.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): References are updated to standardize and remove outdated or redundant language describing OCVA's mission and activities providing services for victims of sexual assault. Language requiring formation of a peer review committee to advise OCVA about eligibility for services is removed. New practice principles are articulated for professionals who work with sexual assault victims.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: This is just an update of what is current practice at OCVA and the way the programs are currently administered. We had been thinking we need to do this for some time. A small committee worked with OCVA on these changes. The bill does not change criminal statutes.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Lonnie Johns-Brown, WA Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs.