H-593                _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 204

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

By Representatives Brekke, B. Williams and Tanner

Read first time 1/23/85 and referred to Committee on Social & Health Services.

AN ACT Relating to the board of prison terms and paroles; amending RCW 9.95.009; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

        Sec. 1.  Section 24, chapter 137, Laws of 1981 as amended by section 8, chapter 192, Laws of 1982 and RCW 9.95.009 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) On July 1, 1988, the board of prison terms and paroles shall cease to exist.  ((Prior to that time, the board's membership shall be reduced as follows:  (a) On July 1, 1985, the board shall be reduced to five members.  This reduction shall take place by the expiration, on that date, of the two terms having the least time left to serve.  (b) On July 1, 1986, the board shall be reduced to three  members.  This reduction shall take place by the expiration, on that date, of the two terms having the least time left to serve.))

          (2) Prior to its expiration and after July 1, 1984, the board shall continue its functions with respect to persons incarcerated for crimes committed prior to July 1, 1984.  The board shall consider the standard ranges and standards adopted pursuant to RCW 9.94A.040, and shall attempt to make decisions reasonably consistent with those ranges and standards.

          (3) The board shall reset the minimum terms for all persons incarcerated in state correctional facilities for crimes committed before July 1, 1984.  The board shall consider the standard ranges and standards adopted under RCW 9.94A.040 and shall attempt to make decisions reasonably consistent with those ranges and standards.  The board shall complete this review by January 1, 1987.

(4) On July 1, 1988, all documents, records, files, equipment, and other tangible property of the board of prison terms and paroles shall be delivered to the custody of the department of corrections.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.