Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Human Services Committee

SSB 5987

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: Authorizing the Washington state department of corrections to develop training for corrections personnel.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Regala, Hargrove and Shin; by request of Department of Corrections).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Requires the Department of Corrections (DOC), rather than the Criminal Justice Training Commission, to identify training standards, design curricula, and provide training for its corrections personnel.

  • Requires new DOC personnel to successfully complete core training and all remaining training requirements regarding career level certification applicable to position or rank within a time set by the Secretary of the DOC, unless waived or extended.

  • Requires the Secretary of the DOC to be responsible for assuring that the training needs of the DOC's corrections personnel are met by its training program.

  • Requires the Secretary of the DOC to annually conduct an assessment of its training programs for its personnel.

Hearing Date: 3/25/09

Staff: Linda Merelle (786-7092)

Background:

The Criminal Justice Training Commission (Commission) must provide the training required for corrections personnel of Washington and all counties and municipal corporations in accordance with standards adopted by the Commission. Unless waived or extended by the Commission, the training must be successfully completed within the first six months of employment, and successful completion is a condition for continued employment.

Summary of Bill:

The Commission is no longer responsible for training of the personnel of the Department of Corrections (DOC). The DOC is responsible for identifying training standards, designing curricula and programs, and providing training for its corrections personnel. In developing its training curricula, it must consult with experts in staff development and professionals within and outside of the agency, including labor organizations. The Secretary of the DOC is responsible for assuring that the training needs of the corrections personnel are met by the DOC's training program. The Secretary of the DOC must annually conduct an assessment of the training programs for its personnel.

New personnel of the DOC must, within a period of time to be determined by the Secretary of the DOC, unless waived or extended: (a) successfully complete core training requirements; and (b) successfully complete all remaining requirements for career level certification prescribed by the Secretary of the DOC applicable to their position or rank.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.