FINAL BILL REPORT

                                   ESSB 6174

                                  C 203 L 92

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Providing for counseling of family members of homicide victims.

SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Nelson, Rasmussen, Thorsness, Erwin, Bailey and Jesernig)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

BACKGROUND:

Under the Crime Victims' Compensation Program, sexual assault victims are entitled to receive appropriate counseling.  Fees for such counseling are determined by Department of Labor and Industries provisions.  Counseling services may include, if determined appropriate by the department, counseling for members of the victim's immediate family, other than the perpetrator of the assault.

It is recommended that similar counseling services be afforded the families of homicide victims. 

SUMMARY:

In addition to other benefits provided under the Crime Victims' Compensation Program, immediate family members of a homicide victim may receive counseling to deal with the immediate, near-term consequences of the related effects of the homicide. 

Fees for counseling are to be determined by Department of Labor and Industries provisions relating to medical care and treatment.  Payment of counseling benefits may not be provided to the perpetrator of the homicide. 

The benefits may be provided only with respect to homicides committed on or after July 1, 1992.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      44    5

House 96    0

EFFECTIVE:  June 11, 1992