SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6646
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health & Long Term Care, February 7, 2020
Ways & Means, February 10, 2020
Title: An act relating to creating a pilot program for gender-responsive and trauma-informed outpatient substance abuse treatment.
Brief Description: Creating a pilot program for gender-responsive and trauma-informed outpatient substance abuse treatment.
Sponsors: Senators Zeiger, Wilson, C. and Nguyen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health & Long Term Care: 2/06/20, 2/07/20 [DP-WM].
Ways & Means: 2/10/20 [w/oRec].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUBCOMMITTEE TO HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Dhingra, Chair; Wagoner, Ranking Member; Darneille, Frockt and O'Ban.
Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Majority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senators Rolfes, Chair; Frockt, Vice Chair, Operating, Capital Lead; Mullet, Capital Budget Cabinet; Braun, Ranking Member; Brown, Assistant Ranking Member, Operating; Honeyford, Assistant Ranking Member, Capital; Becker, Billig, Carlyle, Conway, Dhingra, Hasegawa, Hunt, Keiser, Liias, Muzzall, Pedersen, Rivers, Schoesler, Wagoner, Warnick and Wilson, L..
Staff: Kayla Hammer (786-7305)
Background: The Department of Corrections (DOC) provides a comprehensive system of corrections for convicted law violators in the state of Washington. DOC operates the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW), which is a women's prison located in Gig Harbor. WCCW provides substance use disorder services for persons in residence including intensive outpatient, intensive day treatment, residential treatment services, and a therapeutic community.
Substance use disorder programs for prison residents have been studied and proven to lower recidivism rates for participants. The Washington State Institute for Public Policy has determined that substance use disorder services is a cost-effective intervention for persons in custody.
Summary of Bill: Subject to appropriation, DOC must develop and implement a pilot program for gender-responsive and trauma-informed outpatient substance use disorder treatment at WCCW. The pilot must be designed to address the unique risks and needs of women involved in the criminal justice system. The pilot must be strength-based and healing-centered, provide a safe environment for positive change, reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms, and reduce the likelihood of future involvement in the criminal justice system.
The pilot must use evidence-based practices. Services must be included in the person's reentry plan to ensure continuity of care and successful reentry into the community.
DOC must provide a report to the Governor and Legislature by December 1, 2021.
Appropriation: The bill contains a section or sections to limit implementation to the availability of amounts appropriated for that specific purpose.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health & Long Term Care): PRO: This idea came from a woman in my district who was recently released from WCCW. She spent time incarcerated in both Oregon and Washington, and talked about the success of a model in Oregon called HOPE. The women journey together toward healing and recovery and get to the root of the traumatic issues they have experienced in their lives. DOC is making strides but there is a long way to go. If the pilot is successful it can be replicated in other institutions.
Persons Testifying (Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health & Long Term Care): PRO: Senator Hans Zeiger, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health & Long Term Care): No one.