SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6550
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 3, 2010
Title: An act relating to imposing a sanction for offenders who violate sentence conditions by committing an assault against a law enforcement officer, employee of a law enforcement agency, or department of corrections employee.
Brief Description: Imposing a sanction for offenders who violate sentence conditions by committing an assault against a law enforcement officer, employee of a law enforcement agency, or department of corrections employee.
Sponsors: Senators Hargrove, Regala, Carrell, Marr, Shin and Roach; by request of Department of Corrections.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/02/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Staff: Shani Bauer (786-7468)
Background: The Governor convened a work group in late 2009/early 2010 to address how provisions of the law could be strengthened to address the tragedy of four officers killed in the Lakewood shooting. That work group recommended:
The Department of Corrections (DOC) should pursue the authority for enhanced administrative penalties when an offender in community custody assaults a law enforcement officer or a community corrections officer.
Generally, an offender who violates the terms of his or her community custody may be sanctioned with up to sixty days confinement for each violation. If an offender was transferred to community custody in lieu of earned early release, the offender may be required to serve up to the remainder of his or her sentence. Alternatives to confinement, such as work release or electronic home monitoring, are authorized.
If an offender is subject to his or her third violation hearing and is found to have committed the violation, DOC must return the offender to total confinement to serve the remainder of his or her sentence. The Washington Court of Appeals - Division I recently found that this change from a discretionary sanction to a mandatory one violated the ex post facto clause as applied to offenders convicted prior to the effective date of the law (State v. Madsen, Dec. 14, 2009).
Summary of Bill: An offender who violates any condition or requirement of a sentence by committing an assault against a law enforcement officer, employee of a law enforcement agency, or employee of the DOC must be sanctioned with one year in total confinement. Law enforcement officer is defined.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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 strongly support this bill. If a person is out on community custody and assaults a police officer, that is a good indication that they are not getting with the program. This remedy is in addition to any charges that may be brought criminally, but would provide a mechanism to keep the person in custody pending a determination. This mirrors what DOC does with offenders in prison when they assault an officer. They are able to remove the offender from the population in order to prevent more harm to staff and others.
OTHER: We have a concern as to whether this bill will withstand judicial scrutiny. This deals with a group of offenders who has mostly served their confinement time. These violation hearings now happen through an administrative law process where a person does not have the right to an attorney and does not require proof beyond reasonable doubt. This bill does not distinguish between levels of assault and is not weighted against the sentencing grid in terms of proportionality to the type of assault. In summary, we are afraid that this is too little due process for too much time.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Don Pierce, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs; Dianne Ashlock, Department of Corrections.
OTHER: Jean Soliz-Conklin, Sentencing Guidelines Commission.