SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6174

          AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, FEBRUARY 5, 1992

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

SPONSORS: Senators Nelson, Rasmussen, Thorsness, Erwin, Bailey and Jesernig

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6174 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

      Signed by Senators Nelson, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; Erwin, M. Kreidler, Madsen, and Rasmussen.

Staff:  Jon Carlson (786-7459)

Hearing Dates: February 3, 1992; February 5, 1992

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, family members of a homicide victim may receive appropriate counseling to recover from related effects of the homicide.  Fees for the 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. 

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The counseling benefits are limited to immediate family members to assist in dealing with the immediate, near-term consequences of the related effects of the homicide.  The benefits may be provided only with respect to homicides committed on or after July 1, 1992.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 28, 1992

TESTIMONY FOR:

Persons often require counseling services to help them cope with the trauma which accompanies the violent death of a family member.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Jeralita Costa, Ida Ballasiotes, Ralyn Baird, Washington Coalition of Crime Victims Advocates (pro)