SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   EHB 1500

           AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, APRIL 3, 1991

Brief Description:  Increasing the pay for jail labor performed by prisoners with outstanding fines and costs.

SPONSORS:Representatives Riley, Hargrove, Basich, Wood, Roland, Appelwick, Paris and Scott.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Nelson, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; Hayner, Newhouse, and A. Smith. 

Staff:  Susan Carlson (786‑7418)

Hearing Dates:March 28, 1991; April 3, 1991

BACKGROUND:

When a defendant is ordered to pay a fine or costs, the court may order the person imprisoned in the county jail until those obligations are paid.  While in custody, the defendant is entitled to have the fine and costs reduced by $25 per day.  If the defendant performs labor while in custody, the fine and costs are reduced by $35 per day. 

It is suggested that increasing the daily amount credited toward a fine or costs would help reduce overcrowding in county jails.  It would also reduce the fiscal impact to cities that contract with counties for jail facilities.

SUMMARY:

The amount credited to a jail inmate while in custody for failure to pay fines and costs is increased to $42 per day.  If the inmate performs labor while in custody, the amount credited is $60 per day.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill would help reduce overcrowding in county jails and reduce costs incurred by cities that contract with counties for jail space.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Bill Closner, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs; Mike Matson, Washington State Law Enforcement Association