HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1022

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                         Corrections

Title:  An act relating to sentencing guidelines commission membership.

Brief Description:  Adjusting the membership of the sentencing guidelines commission.

Sponsors:  Representatives Morris, Long, King and L. Johnson; by request of Sentencing Guidelines Commission.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Corrections, February 16, 1993, DPA.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  Signed by 9 members:  Representatives Morris, Chair; Mastin, Vice Chair; Long, Ranking Minority Member; Edmondson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; G. Cole; L. Johnson; Ogden; Riley; and Padden.

Staff:  Antonio Sanchez (786-7383).

Background:  The Sentencing Guidelines Commission was created by the Legislature as an independent body to develop recommended guidelines and standards for criminal sentences.  Its recommendations must be enacted into law by the Legislature.  Commission responsibilities include, recommending changes to the sentencing guidelines every two years, and analyzing necessary changes to the Criminal Code.

The commission consists of 15 voting members, 12 of whom are appointed by the governor.  The 12 appointed members include four Superior Court judges, two defense attorneys, two prosecutors, three citizens, and the chief of a local law enforcement agency.  There are three ex-officio voting members: the secretary of the Department of Corrections, the director of the Office of Financial Management, and the chair of the Clemency and Pardons Board -- prior to July 1, 1992, this position was filled by the Chair of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board.  Four legislators, two representatives and two senators, are appointed by the leadership of the House and the Senate and serve as nonvoting members.

Summary of Amended Bill:  Membership of the commission is increased from 15 to 16 members by the addition of the chair of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board.  This position is ex officio and serves only until June 30, 1998.  An emergency clause is added.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill: An emergency clause is added to the amended bill.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  The bill will add an additional member with needed insight and experience.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Dave Fallen, Sentencing Guidelines Commission (Pro).