Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Ways & Means Committee |
HB 1247
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning the staffing levels and staff training requirements for secure community transition facilities.
Sponsors: Representatives Kagi, Hunter, Darneille and Kenney; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/18/11
Staff: Melissa Palmer (786-7388).
Background:
Under the Community Protection Act of 1990, a sexually violent predator (SVP) may be civilly committed upon the expiration of that person's criminal sentence. A SVP is a person who has been convicted of or charged with a sexually violent offense and who suffers from a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes the person likely to engage in predatory acts of sexual violence if not confined to a secure facility. Crimes that constitute a sexually violent offense are enumerated in the statute and may include a federal or out-of-state offense if the crime would be a sexually violent offense under the laws of this state. The term predatory is defined to mean acts directed towards strangers or individuals with whom a relationship has been established for the primary purpose of victimization.
When a prosecuting agency has filed a petition against a person alleging that the person is an SVP or when the person has previously been found to be an SVP and is subject to a hearing for conditional release, the person is entitled to be examined by qualified experts or professional persons. If the person is indigent, the court must assist the person in obtaining an expert or professional person to perform an examination.
Once a person is found to be an SVP, the person is entitled to periodic hearings to determine if the person continues to meet the definition of an SVP or if release to a less restrictive alternative is appropriate. A state-endorsed plan for a less restrictive alternative will be a graduated release plan that entails the SVP moving to a Secure Community Transition Facility (SCTF). A SCTF is a facility that provides greater freedom to the SVP and is designed to allow the SVP to gradually transition back to the community while continuing treatment.
A SCTF is required to meet the following minimum staffing requirements:
for SCTFs opened prior to July 1, 2003, that have six or fewer residents, the facility must maintain one staff per three residents during normal waking hours and one staff per four residents during sleeping hours, but in no case less than two staff per housing unit; and
for SCTFs opened after July 1, 2003, with six or fewer residents, the facility must maintain one staff per resident during normal waking hours and two staff per three residents during normal sleeping hours, but in no case less than two staff per housing unit.
If a SCTF has six or fewer residents, all staff must be classified as a Residential Rehabilitation Counselor II or have a classification that indicates an equivalent or higher level of skill, experience, and training. All staff must have training in sex offender issues, self-defense, and crisis de-escalation skills and must pass a background check.
Summary of Bill:
The minimum staffing requirements for a SCTF are modified. A minimum of three staff at all times is required for the SCTF on McNeil Island. A minimum of two staff at all times is required for the SCTF in Seattle. The requirement that an SCTF with six of fewer residents be an Residential Rehabilitation Counselor II or higher classification is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 17, 2011.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.