FINAL BILL REPORT

                 EHB 2376

                          C 87 L 94

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising the powers and duties of the Sentencing Guidelines Commission.

By Representatives Morris and Jones; by request of Sentencing Guidelines Commission.

House Committee on Corrections

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Background:  The Sentencing Guidelines Commission was originally assigned the task of recommending to the Legislature particular sentencing standards for felony offenses under the Sentencing Reform Act.  The commission is responsible for continuing to recommend appropriate modifications to these standards and to the existing criminal code.

Current Washington law does not require the commission to collect or analyze information regarding sentencing practices in the state, to create a computerized system for recording sentencing information, or to research matters generally relating to improving the criminal justice system.

Summary:  The Sentencing Guidelines Commission may:

(1)assist in collecting, preparing, analyzing and disseminating information on state and local sentencing practices;

(2)develop a computerized system to cover sentencing information, including the identity of the individual sentencing judge, on all adult felons;

(3)conduct research regarding sentencing guidelines, total confinement and its alternatives, plea bargaining, and other criminal justice matters; and

(4)conduct joint meetings with the juvenile disposition standards commission.  The Sentencing Guidelines Commission staff and executive officer may also provide staffing and services to the Juvenile Disposition Standards Commission, if authorized in Chapter 13.40 RCW.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  95 0

Senate 47 0

Effective:  June 9, 1994