MINUTES OF THE

FUNDING OF STATE AND COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TASK FORCE

Thursday, November 7, 2002 - 9:00 a.m. - Room 403 State Capitol

Note: A list of others present and a copy of materials can be found at http://image.le.utah.gov/imaging/history.asp or by contacting the committee secretary, Alicia Laughlin, at 538-1032.

1. Committee Business

Chair Walker called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m.

MOTION: Comm. Cox moved to approve the minutes of the October 10, 2002 meeting. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Davis, Rep. Hogue, Rep. Jones, and Rep. Shurtliff absent for the vote.

2. Response to County Recommendations

Dr. Richard Melton, Deputy Director, Utah Department of Health, responded to the county's recommendations for statutory changes. He referred to a letter addressed to Rod Betit from the Utah Association of Local Health Officers and indicated that the Department does not see a need for statutory changes in order to fulfill the county's recommendation.

3. Statutory Changes

Mr. Rees referred to draft legislation mailed previously, "Substance Abuse and Mental Health Amendments" and clarified the change made to the bill.

MOTION: Rep. Seitz moved that draft legislation "Substance Abuse and Mental Health Amendments" be adopted as a committee bill. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Davis, Rep. Hogue, and Rep. Shurtliff absent for the vote.

Mr. Rees discussed draft legislation mailed previously "Reauthorization of Funding of State and Local Health and Human Services Task Force."

MOTION: Dir Steadman moved that draft legislation "Reauthorization of Funding of State and Local Health and Human Services Task Force" be adopted as a committee bill. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Davis, Rep. Hogue, and Rep. Shurtliff absent for the vote.

Mr. Rees introduced and discussed draft legislation "Local Substance Abuse Authorities Amendments." He indicated that the legislation would make technical changes to the code.

Ms. Robin Arnold-Williams, Executive Director, Department of Human Services, recommended moving both Substance Abuse and Mental Health into the same part of the code since they are now included in the same division.

MOTION: Rep. Pace moved that draft legislation "Local Substance Abuse Authorities Amendments" be adopted as a committee bill, with the change of moving Mental Health into the same part of the code. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Davis, Rep. Hogue, and Rep. Shurtliff absent for the vote.

Mr. Rees introduced and reviewed draft legislation "Commitment and Custody of Adults and Minors Amendments." Ms. Arnold-Williams referred to the request of the juvenile court judges that these custody issues be clarified in statute.

MOTION: Sen. Jenkins moved that draft legislation "Commitment and Custody of Adults and Minors Amendments" be adopted as a committee bill. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Davis, Rep. Hogue, and Rep. Shurtliff absent for the vote.

4. Communication with County Governing Bodies and Procedural Changes

The Task Force discussed "Utah Association of Counties Priorities for State/Local Funding Task Force."

Rep. Seitz indicated that progress has been made on #1of the priorities.

Comm. Cox referred to Priority #2. He recommended that the counties and the division work together to finalize the guiding principles and return to the Task Force with recommendations.

Rep. Seitz commented on Priority #3 of the counties priorities.

MOTION: Rep. Seitz moved that the governor and the Legislature shall consider the COLA costs in funding the various programs and that draft legislation be created to include the Legislature in the process. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Davis, Rep. Hogue, and Rep. Shurtliff absent for the vote.

Mr. Mark Walsh, Utah Association of Counties (UAC), indicated that the Task Force thus far has created a process whereby the counties and the State have better communication and an improved relationship. He indicated that the UAC recommends the Task Force continue in order to further this positive process.

5. Principles

Chair Walker indicated that the Task Force plans to codify the Principles if the Task Force is reauthorized for an additional year.

6. Other Items / Adjourn

Dir. Steadman commented on the issue of funding. He identified several ways to improve funding for health and human services.

Sen. Davis commented on the jail reimbursement issue and the DUI tax. He encouraged the Task Force to think of ways to create revenue streams as an ongoing funding process.

Comm. Cox suggested that the Task Force look into the services the state and counties are providing to make sure they are not being duplicated and to modify those services based on the individual's need in order to accommodate future growth.

Rep. Seitz thanked the members of the Task Force, the Departments, the counties, and the Governor's office for their input in regards to the process. He also thanked legislative staff for their hard work.

Chair Walker concurred with Rep. Seitz's comments.

MOTION: Rep. Hogue moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously, with Rep. Shurtliff absent for the vote.

Chair Walker adjourned the meeting at 10:20 a.m.