HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2349

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                           Revenue

Title:  An act relating to the state crime laboratory system.

Brief Description:  Creating a crime laboratory analysis fee.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Ludwig, Paris, Appelwick, Riley, Broback, Locke, Winsley and O'Brien; by request of Washington State Patrol.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Revenue, January 24, 1992, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

REVENUE

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 13 members:  Representatives Wang, Chair; Brumsickle, Ranking Minority Member; Wynne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appelwick; Carlson; Day; J. Kohl; Leonard; Morris; Morton; Rust; Silver; and Van Luven.

Staff:  Rick Peterson (786-7150).

Background:  The Washington State Patrol operates a crime laboratory system.  The crime laboratories provide analysis of evidence relating to crimes.  Most crime laboratory analysis requests come from local police and sheriff departments.  The crime laboratory system is funded by a combination of federal and state monies.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  A $100 fine is assessed against each convicted criminal if a crime laboratory analysis related to the crime was performed.  An additional $100 fine is applied for each offense.  The fine may be reduced if the person does not have the ability to pay.  The court clerk may retain $5 to defray costs.  The remainder is deposited in the state general fund.

The governor's budget assumes $50,000 in the current biennium.  It is estimated that a fully implemented program would raise $950,000 per biennium.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute bill makes clear that the fee will be deposited in the state general fund to be used for crime laboratories.  The substitute deletes language allowing a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a minor to pay a portion of the fee. 

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 17, 1992.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Convicted criminals should help offset costs incurred in conducting forensic analysis by a Washington State Patrol crime laboratory.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Representative Curt Ludwig, Prime Sponsor; and Tim Erickson, Washington State Patrol (both in favor).