Brief Description: Reimbursing political subdivisions for criminal justice costs incurred in an institution under the jurisdiction of the secretary of the department of social and health services.

Sponsors: Representatives DeBolt, Chase and Alexander.

Hearing Date: 2/21/05

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

State law requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to reimburse local governments for the costs related to the prosecution of crimes committed by certain juvenile and adult offenders residing in institutions managed by DSHS. Such reimbursement must be paid out of an "institutional impact account" created in the State Treasury, and is limited to law enforcement, prosecutorial, judicial, and jail facilities costs that are strictly related to the criminal activities of the offender.

Summary of Bill:

The reimbursement obligations of DSHS to local governments are expanded to include criminal justice costs incurred as the result of criminal behavior by the staff of certain institutions managed by DSHS and which occurs during the course of the employment of such staff. The maximum dollar amount of reimbursement for criminal investigation costs is limited to the wages, including fringe benefits, paid to law enforcement personnel investigating the crime.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 17, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.