The bill amends RCW 82.14.460 to clarify the use of sales and use tax revenues for chemical dependency and mental health treatment programs, as well as therapeutic court programs. It establishes that the operation and delivery of these services are part of local government public safety programs, and emphasizes that both new construction of facilities and modifications to existing structures are acceptable uses of the tax revenues. The bill specifies that funds collected must be used solely for these programs and services, which include treatment services, case management, transportation, and housing.

Additionally, the bill allows for a portion of the collected funds to be used to supplant existing funding for these services under certain conditions, depending on the population size of the county or city imposing the tax. It also includes provisions for the use of funds to support the costs associated with therapeutic courts. The new language inserted into the law explicitly states that funds can be allocated for new construction and modifications to facilities, ensuring that health and safety needs are met in the provision of these essential services.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 82.14.460
Bill as Passed Legislature: 82.14.460
Session Law: 82.14.460