HB 2337 states that there are many prevention-focused social service programs and services for health care that demonstrably result in positive impacts for individuals and families that are cost-beneficial and that efficiently utilize government resources. However, because government resources are limited, the state is often unable to fund these programs or services.
The bill establishes the Washington social investment steering committee (delineated in the legislation) to develop an implementation plan for at least one pilot program, financed by social impact bonds or other public-private financing models, which delivers prevention-focused services in areas such as early childhood development, child welfare, mental health, juvenile justice, public assistance, or other identified social or health care services. The plan must be developed no later than Dec. 1, 2014. By July 1, 2015, the Office of Financial Management or a state agency designated by the Office of Financial Management shall issue a request for proposal to implement the pilot program(s); and by Jan. 1, 2016, the pilot program must be implemented. No later than Dec. 1, 2015, the steering committee must provide a report to the legislature and the Governor summarizing the work of the committee, and beginning Dec. 1, 2016, and annually throughout the duration of the pilot program(s), the steering committee must provide a report to the legislature and the Governor regarding the implementation of the pilot program(s) and any recommendations for expanding the use of Social Impact Bonds or other public-private financing mechanisms to finance and deliver prevention-focused social or health care services.
Substitute bill: SHB 2337 establishes the Washington Social Investment Steering Committee with 14 members. The bill requires that the Washington Social Investment Steering Committee develop an implementation plan for at least one pilot that uses social impact bonds or other public-private financing for social or health care services. SHB 2337 also requires that the Office of Financial Management issue a request for proposal to implement the pilot or pilots by July 1, 2015, and that the pilot or pilots be implemented by January 1, 2016.
The representative from the Office of the State Treasurer is replaced with a representative of the largest Washington union representing state employees as a member of the Steering Committee. The members of the Steering Committee and the organizations they represent are excluded from providing services or training as part of the pilots. State employees, state officers, and legislative officers are excluded from public service ethics requirements when soliciting gifts, grants, or donations for the limited purpose of facilitation, consultation, or providing expertise to further the duties of the Steering Committee.
