FINAL BILL REPORT
SSB 6340
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. |
C 143 L 10
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Changing the membership of the Washington state forensic investigations council.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Regala and Kline).
Senate Committee on Judiciary
House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Background: The Washington State Forensics Investigations Council was established in 1983 and expanded from nine to 12 members in 1995. The council oversees the Bureau of Forensic Laboratory Services and is responsible for the oversight of any state forensic pathology programs. The composition of the council is drawn from nominations submitted to the Governor by organizations representing the professions required for appointment to the council.
Currently, a coroner and a medical examiner are appointed from nominations made by the Washington Association of County Officials; two members of a county legislative authority from nominations made by the Washington State Association of Counties; two members of a city legislative authority drawn from nominations made by the Association of Washington Cities; a county prosecutor who serves as ex officio county coroner and a county prosecutor from nominations made by the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys; a county sheriff position and a chief of police from nominees of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs; and a private pathologist nominated by the Washington Association of Pathologists.
Summary: The Washington State Forensics Investigations Council is expanded to 13 members. The additional member includes one attorney whose practice of law includes significant experience representing clients charged with criminal offenses. The Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Washington Defender Association must jointly submit two nominees for this position, one of whom must actively manage or have significant experience in managing a public or private criminal defense agency or association, and the other must have experience in cases involving DNA or other forensic evidence.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 48 | 0 | |
House | 96 | 0 | (House amended) |
Senate | 46 | 1 | (Senate concurred) |
Effective: | June 10, 2010 |