SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5146
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 5, 2009
Title: An act relating to interest on judgments entered against offenders.
Brief Description: Revising the accrual of interest on judgments entered against offenders.
Sponsors: Senators Kline, Regala, Pridemore, Kohl-Welles and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Judiciary: 2/03/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY |
Staff: Brandon Roché (786-7405)
Background: Under current law, courts may require offenders to pay certain costs, fines, and other assessments, in addition to restitution, for committing a crime. Interest on both restitution and non-restitution assessments may accrue while the offender is in confinement. Restitution is ordered whenever the offender is convicted for an offense which causes injury to a person, or damage to or loss of property.
The current interest rate applied is 12 percent.
Summary of Bill: If an offender is sentenced to total confinement, interest on restitution owed by the offender accrues throughout the period of confinement, until payment. However, while in total confinement, interest on financial obligations other than restitution, such as costs, fines, and assessments, does not accrue until the date of the offender's release. If an offender is not sentenced to total confinement, all financial obligations imposed in a judgment must bear interest from the date of judgment until payment.
When an offender is released from total confinement, the Department of Corrections or the county jail must notify the clerk of the county in which the conviction occurred in order to calculate interest owed by the offender.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2009.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We are in favor of this bill. A study was recently released recognizing problems with the way legal financial obligations (LFO) are assessed in Washington. The state expends considerable expense on rehabilitating criminals. These LFOs may counteract that as some of these people have no way to pay their debt. People have to decide between paying for basic items and paying these debts. This bill will reduce the overwhelming aspect of the LFO and encourage them to pay. We like the fact that this bill separates out the restitution interest because victims have to pay interest on debts incurred as part of putting their lives back together.
OTHER: We have technical concerns. The counties don’t want notifications from the Department of Corrections or local jail each time an offender is rearrested and re-released.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Gavin Thornton, Columbia Legal Services; Dave Johnson, Washington Coalition of Crime Victim Advocates.
OTHER: James McMahan, Washington Association of County Officials.