Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

HB 1673

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

Authorizes the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) to apply the funds from the marijuana excise tax they receive for development and evaluation of programs and practices aimed at prevention or reduction of maladaptive substance use among middle school and high school students.
Requires the Department of Social and Health Services in consultation with the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, the University of Washington Social Development Research Group, and faculty from Washington State University to determine a definition of cost-beneficial as it relates to prevention and treatment programming and submit a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2017.

Background:

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) is part of the Behavioral Health and Service Integration Administration (BHSIA). The DBHR and the BHSIA are part of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The DBHR funds and oversees services for youth substance abuse prevention and intervention, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and recovery support to people with addiction and mental health needs.

Dedicated Marijuana Fund.

Initiative 502 established a system, overseen by the Washington State Liquor Control Board, to license, regulate, and tax the production, processing and wholesale retail sales of marijuana. Initiative 502 creates a dedicated marijuana fund, consisting of all marijuana excise taxes, license fees, penalties, and forfeitures. The initiative also specifies the disbursement of this money for a variety of health, education, and research purposes, with the remainder distributed to the state general fund. The DBHR is required to implement and maintain programs and practices aimed at preventing or reducing maladaptive substance use, substance-use disorders, and substance dependence among middle school and high school age students.

Summary of Bill:

The DBHR is authorized to apply the dedicated marijuana funds they receive for development and evaluation of programs and practices aimed at prevention or reduction of maladaptive substance use among middle school and high school students. The DSHS in consultation with the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, the University of Washington Social Development Research Group, and faculty from the Washington State University, are required to determine a definition of cost-beneficial as it relates to prevention and treatment programming. A report must be submitted to the Legislature on the findings by December 1, 2017. By September 1, 2020 at least 85 percent of funds disbursed from the dedicated marijuana fund to the DBHR must be directed to programs that meet the established definition of cost-beneficial; in addition to the current requirements that these funds go to programs and practices that are evidence-based and produce objectively and measurable results.