FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1354

                                  C 216 L 88

BYRepresentatives Pruitt, Sanders, Meyers, Dorn, Rasmussen, Lewis, Anderson, Basich, Heavey, Zellinsky and Cooper

Repealing the sunset of the department of veterans affairs.

House Committe on State Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Veterans Affairs was created in 1976 when its functions and duties were transferred from the Department of Social and Health Services.  As of January, 1988 the department employed 428 full time employees.  Its 1987-89 operating budget is nearly $29 million, two-thirds of which is from the state general fund.  The Director of Veterans Affairs is advised and assisted by the 15-member Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee.

There are three primary programs carried out by the department. The largest is the operation and maintenance of the two state veteran's homes in Retsil and Orting, capable of serving nearly 600 veterans or their dependents.  The department's Field Services program advises and assists veterans in receiving their full benefits and entitlements and secures readjustment counseling for veterans and their families.  Finally, the Guardianship program administers benefits for recipients incapable of acting on their own behalf.

The Legislative Budget Committee in its 1987 Sunset review report concluded that the need for most departmental services will increase and recommended reestablishment of the department and the Advisory Committee.

SUMMARY:

The sections of statute that provide for the June 30, 1988 termination of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Affairs Advisory Council are repealed.

In addition, a study is to be done of the long term care needs of indigent veterans.  The study is to be conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, a committee of persons familiar with the issues who are appointed by the department, the Department of Social and Health Services and the Office of Financial Management.

A report is to be submitted to the House State Government Committee, the Senate Governmental Operations Committee and the Ways and Means Committees of the House and Senate no later than November 1, 1988.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 97   0

      Senate    47     0

EFFECTIVE:March 23, 1988