HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6284
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 Passed House:
March 7, 2014
Title: An act relating to expenditures from the public health supplemental account.
Brief Description: Regarding expenditures from the public health supplemental account.
Sponsors: Senators Hill and Frockt; by request of Department of Health.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services: 2/27/14 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/7/14, 97-1.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Morrell, Chair; Harris, Ranking Minority Member; Green, G. Hunt, Kagi, Ormsby, Ross, Schmick and Tharinger.
Staff: Mary Mulholland (786-7391).
Background:
In 2001 the Legislature authorized the Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) to solicit and accept gifts, bequests, devises, or other funds from public and private sources. The Legislature stated its intent that gifts and other funds received by the DOH under the authority of the Secretary be used to expand or enhance public health programs, not to supplant government funds.
In 2001 the Legislature also created the Public Health Supplemental Account (Account). All receipts from gifts, bequests, devises, or other funds that the DOH determines will further the maintenance and improvement of Washington residents' health through the public health system must be deposited in the Account.
Money in the Account may be spent only after appropriation and may only be used to maintain or improve Washington residents' health through the public health system. Expenditures from the Account cannot be used to pay for or add permanent full-time equivalent staff positions.
The DOH is the administrator of the Account. The DOH must file an annual statement on the financial condition, transactions, and affairs of any program funded from the Account to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.
Summary of Bill:
Expenditures from the Account may be used to pay for or add permanent full-time equivalent staff.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) During fiscal year 2013, over 94 percent of the funds from the Account are passed through to service providers. The work of the DOH is to administer the contracts, which is a fairly minimal amount of time. Under the current statutory prohibition on using Account funds for permanent full-time staff, and with the improved economy, it is challenging for the DOH to find good, qualified people for non-permanent part-time positions. The bill would allow current DOH contract administrators to absorb the work. Since the Account is appropriated, the DOH would still need legislative approval to increase its appropriation or full-time equivalent authority.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Kristin Bettridge, Department of Health.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.