6002-S.E AMH SHMK RUTT 003

ESSB 6002 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-4473.1/14) 828

By Representative Schmick

ADOPTED 03/04/2014

    On page 30, line 10, increase the general fund-state appropriation for fiscal year 2015 by $300,000

    On page 30, line 26, correct the total appropriation

    On page 35, after line 15, insert the following:

    "(13) $300,000 of the general fund--state appropriation for fiscal year 2015 is provided solely for an evidence-based comprehensive study and progress report of staffing ratios and safety assessments in department of corrections facilities. For the purposes of this study, "department of corrections facilities" means facilities operated by the department of corrections to house persons convicted of a criminal offense who are in full confinement. The office of financial management shall contract with consultants with expertise related to the subject matters included in this study. The office of financial management and the consultants shall consult with (i) the department of corrections, (ii) stakeholder groups that represent the people served in these institutions, (iii) labor organizations that represent employees who work in these institutions; and (iv) other persons or entities with expertise in the areas being studied. In conducting this study, the consultants shall consider the following factors as appropriate:(i) the number and type of staff at each of the department of corrections facilities; (ii) the adequacy and costs of current staffing at department of corrections facilities; (iii) the need, availability, and costs of improving staffing at department of corrections facilities; (iv) the geographic factors associated with staffing department of corrections facilities, including the impact of

staffing on the local economy and the economic impact of reducing or increasing staffing at department of corrections facilities; (v) the safety of employees at department of corrections facilities including all reported incidents of assault or other crimes committed against such employees; (vi) a review of the all security-related policies and procedures at department of corrections facilities; (vi) the implementation and consistent application of policy recommendations resulting from the national institute of corrections review of prison safety and the statewide security advisory committee regarding security issues in department of corrections facilities as provided for in Chapter 252 Laws of 2011, (ESB 5907). The office of financial management shall submit a final report to the governor, the house of representatives and the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by December 1, 2014. The report shall provide any recommendations and a plan, if necessary, to improve staffing ratios and employee safety at department of corrections facilities. The report shall include an individual assessment of staffing and safety at each department of corrections facility, and any costs or savings associated with each recommendation. The office of financial management shall submit a report on the progress by the department of corrections of implementing the recommendations and plan to the same committees of the legislature no later than December 1, 2015."

EFFECT: Provides funding for the Office of Financial Management to conduct a comprehensive study and issue progress reports on staffing ratios and safety assessments in Department of Corrections facilities.  

FISCAL IMPACT:

           Increases General Fund - State by $300,000.

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