FINAL BILL REPORT

                 EHB 1022

                     Synopsis as Enacted

                          C 11 L 93

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

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

House Committee on Corrections

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Background:  The Sentencing Guidelines Commission was created by the Legislature as an independent body to develop criminal sentencing guidelines and standards for recommendation to 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.  Four legislators are appointed by the leadership of the House and the Senate and serve as nonvoting members.

The chair of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board was an ex officio member of the commission until July 1, 1992, when the board was scheduled to terminate.  However, the Legislature extended the board's termination to June 30, 1998.

Summary:  Membership of the Sentencing Guidelines 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. 

Votes on Final Passage:

House  97 0

Senate 40 0

Effective:  April 12, 1993