04/28/1997 03:45 PM House HES

SB 100 - DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN/GRANTS                              
                                                                               
Number 0287                                                                    
                                                                               
CHAIRMAN BUNDE announced the next item on the agenda was SB 100,               
"An Act relating to grant authority for services for                           
developmentally delayed or disabled children and their families."              
                                                                               
Number 0294                                                                    
                                                                               
ELMER LINDSTROM, Special Assistant, Office of the Commissioner,                
Department of Health and Social Services, said SB 100 represents a             
technical item which this committee has seen in prior years.  This             
item was included in past omnibus government efficiency bills which            
did not pass.  This year it comprises a separate bill.  Several                
years ago, the DHSS attempted to promulgate regulations, through               
the Department of Law, relating to the infant learning program.                
The DHSS was unable to get those regulations through because the               
message came back that the DHSS did not have specific authority to             
make grants under this program.  The program currently operates                
this way today.  This bill would give DHSS the power, in statute,              
of grant making authority.  This bill is supported by the                      
Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education.                      
                                                                               
Number 0409                                                                    
                                                                               
REPRESENTATIVE AL VEZEY made a motion to move SB 100 with                      
individual recommendations and zero fiscal note.  Hearing no                   
objections, SB 100 was moved from the House Health, Education and              
Social Services Standing Committee.