HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2712

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                         Corrections

Title:  An act relating to the siting of adult work release, prerelease, or any community‑based facility operated or contracted out by the Department of Corrections.

Brief Description:  Requiring the Department of Corrections to notify communities and hold public meetings concerning the possible siting of an adult work release facility in that area.

Sponsors:  Representatives Ballasiotes, Campbell, Edmondson, Long, Chappell, Johanson, Padden, Eide, Appelwick, Tate and Brumsickle.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Corrections, February 3, 1994, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives Morris, Chair; Mastin, Vice Chair; Long, Ranking Minority Member; Edmondson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; G. Cole; L. Johnson; Moak and Padden.

Staff:  Antonio Sanchez (786-7383).

Background:  The current process used for siting and constructing a prison facility is established and implemented by the Department of Corrections.  The Department of Corrections has the authority to identify the most appropriate site to construct a prison facility.  However, before a prison is constructed on an identified site, all federal laws and environmental requirements and reviews must be completed and approved.  In addition, all local laws and ordinances must be satisfied.

The Department of Corrections has no specific requirements in statute regarding the process for public participation or notification before or during the siting of a correctional facility.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Corrections is prohibited from establishing or relocating community-based facilities until at least two public hearings are held on the proposal.

The Department of Corrections and other agencies responsible for siting Department of Corrections' facilities are required to establish procedures for early and continuous public participation in the siting of the correctional facility.  The procedures must allow for dissemination of proposals and alternatives, opportunities for written comments, public meetings, and a method for responding to the public comment.  The methods for contacting the community with notice of intent to site a correctional facility are specified.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  None.