AN ACT Relating to training for investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases; adding a new section to chapter 43.101 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 70.125 RCW; creating new sections; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The safety of all children is enhanced when sexual assault cases are properly investigated and prosecuted. The victim of the sexual assault and the victim's family have a right to be treated with sensitivity and professionalism, which also increases the likelihood of their continued cooperation with the investigation and prosecution of the case. The legislature finds the sexual assault cases, particularly those involving victims who are children, are difficult to prosecute successfully. The cooperation of a victim and the victim's family through the investigation and prosecution of the sexual assault case is enhanced and the trauma associated with the investigation and prosecution is reduced when trained victim advocates assist the victim and the victim's family through the investigation and prosecution of the case. Trained victim advocates also assist law enforcement, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, by relieving some of the burden of explaining the investigation and prosecution process and possible delays to the victim and accompanying the victim during interviews by the police, prosecutor, and defense attorney, and accompanying the victim during hearings and the trial.

The legislature finds that counties should give priority to the successful prosecution of sexual assault cases, especially those that involve children, by ensuring that prosecutors, investigators, defense attorneys, and victim advocates are properly trained and available. Therefore, the legislature intends to establish a mechanism to provide the necessary training of prosecutors, law enforcement investigators, defense attorneys, and victim advocates and ensure the availability of victim advocates for victims of sexual assault and their families.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) Each year the criminal justice training commission shall offer an intensive, integrated, week-long training session on investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases. The training shall place particular emphasis on the development of professionalism and sensitivity towards the victim and the victim's family.

(2) The commission shall seek advice from the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys, the Washington defender association, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, and the Washington coalition of sexual assault programs.

(3) The training shall be an integrated approach to sexual assault cases so that prosecutors, law enforcement, defenders, and victim advocates can all benefit from the training.

(4) The training shall be self-supporting through fees charged to the participants of the training. The counties may use the funds available under RCW 82.14.310, 82.14.315, 82.14.320, and 82.14.340 to pay for participants' training.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) Rape crisis centers which are eligible for funding from the department of social and health services under chapter 70.125 RCW may apply for grants for the purpose of hiring and training victim advocates to assist victims and their families through the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases. The victim advocates shall complete a training program either through the criminal justice training program under section 2 of this act or, at the election of the rape crisis center, a training program to be designed and administered by the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys and the Washington coalition of sexual assault programs.

(2) Twenty-five percent of the funding for the victim advocate grants under this section must be provided by one or more local, municipal, or county source, either public or private. The department shall seek, receive, and make use of any funds which may be available from federal or other sources to augment state funds appropriated for the purpose of this section, and shall make every effort to qualify for federal funding.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. Section 2 of this act is added to chapter 43.101 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Section 3 of this act is added to chapter 70.125 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. If by June 30, 1991, the omnibus operating budget appropriations act for the 1991-93 biennium does not provide specific funding for section 3 of this act, referencing this act by bill number and section, section 3 of this act shall be null and void.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1991.