SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1626

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 Passed Senate, April 7, 2017

Title: An act relating to changing the date in which community impact statements are provided to the department of corrections.

Brief Description: Changing the date in which community impact statements are provided to the department of corrections.

Sponsors: House Committee on Public Safety (originally sponsored by Representatives Blake and J. Walsh).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/27/17, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 3/16/17, 3/22/17 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 4/07/17, 47-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases the time period that local government may submit a community impact statement to the Department of Corrections from 10 to 25 days.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Padden, Chair; O'Ban, Vice Chair; Pedersen, Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Darneille, Frockt and Wilson.

Staff: Shani Bauer (786-7468)

Background: An offender who is incarcerated with the Department of Corrections (DOC) and has earned early release time may be released to community custody if the offender has an approved release plan with an approved living address. DOC may provide rental vouchers to an offender for a period of up to three months if the rental vouchers will assist the offender in getting an approved release plan.

DOC is required to maintain a list of housing providers who are authorized to receive rental vouchers. Anytime a new housing provider requests to be added to the list, DOC must give notice to local government where the housing is located. The local government may provide DOC with a community impact statement that includes the number and location of other special-needs housing in the neighborhood and a review of services and supports in the area to assist offenders in their transition. If the community impact statement is provided to DOC within ten days of notice of a new housing provider request, DOC must consider the community impact statement in determining whether to add the provider to the list.

Summary of Bill: If a community impact statement is provided to DOC within 25 days of notice of a new housing provider request, DOC must consider the community impact statement in determining whether to add the provider to the list.

Appropriation: None.

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: PRO: This bill incorporates the Senate amendments, so it is a true companion to the Senate bill. DOC has been very helpful in collaborating with counties. This is a good bill and will help counties in the future with their planning processes.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Brian Enslow, City of Longview; Mike Wallin, City of Longview.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.