FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2217

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.

C 23 L 15 E3

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning the state's use of the juvenile offender basic training camp program.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunter, Sullivan and Carlyle.

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health & Housing

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to establish a medium-security juvenile offender basic training camp (JOBTC). The JOBTC was designed to be a 120-day program that emphasized building a juvenile offender's self-esteem, confidence, and discipline through a structured curriculum including educational, vocational, rehabilitative, and physical training components.

A juvenile offender must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the JOBTC:

Juvenile offenders who meet the above eligibility criteria and successfully graduate from the JOBTC spend the remainder of their disposition under parole supervision in the community.

When the JJRA opened the JOBTC in 1997, the JJRA had a caseload of approximately 1,400 youth and the JOBTC was funded for 48 beds. By fiscal year (FY) 2014, the JJRA caseload had declined to 533 youth and the JOBTC was funded for 16 beds. The actual average daily population of the JOBTC over the FY 2012-FY 2014 period was 11 youth. The JJRA has reported that youth today infrequently meet the original JOBTC eligibility criteria.

The JOBTC is located in Connell and is currently operated through a contract with Pioneer Human Services.

Summary:

The requirement for the DSHS to establish a JOBTC is changed to an authorization to do so.

Votes on Final Passage:

House

72

25

First Special Session

House

71

24

Second Special Session

House

77

20

Third Special Session

House

81

16

Senate

47

0

Effective:

October 9, 2015