Senate Bill 5455, sponsored by Sen. Harris, would make administrative changes to the Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment (CARE Fund), including clarifying who may serve as the program administrator and allowing the board to contract with one or more program administrators.

Nut graf: Testimony emphasized the CARE Fund’s role in funding cancer research across Washington and sought statutory language adjustments so the board has a clear voice in selecting program administrators and may form partnerships with local entities without requiring state-appropriated pass-throughs.

Testimony highlights: Libby Mungu Wymore, a CARE Fund board member and cancer survivor, described CARE Fund impact—"Since it was enacted into law 10 years ago, CARE Fund has invested over $58,000,000 into cancer research in our state"—and urged statutory clarifications so the board can participate in program-administrator selection. Lizette Cadena (Evergreen Social Impact, program administrator) said the fund has had three program administrators since 2017 and sought continuity and clarity about how the board and administrators contract and partner with public entities.

Commerce perspective: Dave Pringle (Department of Commerce) praised the CARE Fund’s economic and research contributions and said Commerce will work with the fund and Legislature to ensure transparency if administrative roles change.

Ending: The committee closed public testimony; no vote was recorded during the Feb. 14 hearing.