4433 AMH **** 11 [11]

HCR 4433 - H AMD 1263 WITHDRAWN 3-3-94

By Representative Padden

On page 1, line 1, after "WHEREAS," strike the remainder of the resolution and insert the following:

"Serious questions have been raised concerning the appropriateness of the state granting good-time credits and early release to persons whose victims receive no similar reduction in the length of time that they must suffer the consequences of an inmate's criminal acts; and

WHEREAS, Eliminating the state's granting of good-time credits and early release is consistent with the duty of the state to protect its citizens; and

WHEREAS, The cost of incarceration is higher in Washington state than the national average which suggests that Washington can and should find ways to reduce its average cost of incarceration, including, but not limited to the privatization of our correctional institutions; and

WHEREAS, The costs to victims imposed by felons out on early release far exceed any costs that would be imposed by having felons serve their full sentence; and

WHEREAS, It is time that government began listening to what the law-abiding citizens of the state are demanding rather than what convicted felons would like;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the House of Representatives of the state of Washington, the Senate concurring, That a Legislative Task Force on Truth in Sentencing be established to: (1) Review the current statutes, regulations, and administrative policies under which the Department of Corrections grants good-time credits and early release and propose their demise; (2) study the effect that early release programs have had on victims of felons who are out on early release; (3) recommend alternatives to the Department of Corrections' use of good-time credits, early release, and other incentives for controlling inmate behavior such as allowing for an increase in sentences up to 50% over the given sentence for bad behavior; and (4) estimate the fiscal impact of any recommended modifications or alternatives, including societal cost savings from crimes that are not committed because felons are in prison; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the task force shall consist of the following ten voting members:

(1) Five members from the Senate Committee on Law and Justice, one of whom shall be the committee chair, two of whom shall be additional members from the majority party, and two of whom shall be members from the minority party, to be appointed by each of the two largest caucuses in the Senate respectively; and

(2) Five members from the House of Representatives Committee on Corrections, one of whom shall be the committee chair, two of whom shall be additional members from the majority party, and two of whom shall be members from the minority party, to be appointed by each of the two largest caucuses in the House of Representatives respectively; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a representative from the Department of Corrections shall act as a liaison and nonvoting member of the task force; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a representative from a crime victims group shall act as a liaison and nonvoting member of the task force; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the task force shall be cochaired by the chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Corrections and the chair of the Senate Committee on Law and Justice, or their designees; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the task force shall consult with members of the public and private sectors or ask such persons to form an advisory committee; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the task force shall use legislative staff and facilities. All expenses of the task force, including travel, shall be paid jointly by the Senate and the House of Representatives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to eliminate the use of good-time credits and early release to the legislature by December 31, 1994; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the task force shall expire December 31, 1994."

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