SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5111

                      AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 18, 1991

Brief Description:  Directing money received by inmates, for testifying, into the victims compensation account.

SPONSORS:Senators Madsen, Wojahn, Rasmussen, Amondson, A. Smith, Snyder, Gaspard and Skratek.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Nelson, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; Erwin, Hayner, L. Kreidler, Madsen, Newhouse, Rasmussen, and A. Smith. 

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786‑7428)

Hearing Dates:February 6, 1991; February 8, 1991

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

BACKGROUND:

Washington allows inmates working in prison to earn wages.  A portion of wages earned may be deducted to cover the costs of corrections or for deposit in the crime victims' compensation account.  The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that inmates in state prisons who testify at a federal trial are entitled to witness fees.

SUMMARY:

All money received by an inmate for testifying in any judicial proceeding is to be deposited in the crime victims' compensation account.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  No one

HOUSE AMENDMENT(S):

Witness fee monies paid to prisoners may be used to pay for counseling needs for the immediate family members of a homicide victim.