SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5494

               AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 16, 1993

Brief Description:  Including certain juveniles who are the subject of proceedings under chapter 13.34 RCW in the definition of "at‑risk juvenile sex offenders".

SPONSORS: Senators Talmadge and Deccio; by request of Department of Social and Health Services

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Wojahn, Vice Chairman; Deccio, Erwin, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, McAuliffe, Moyer, Sheldon, and Winsley.

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786‑7461)

Hearing Dates: February 24, 1993

BACKGROUND:

In 1990, the Legislature passed a comprehensive plan for dealing with sex offenders, known as the Community Protection Act of 1990.  The act included provisions dealing with adult and juvenile criminal sentencing, civil commitment procedures, and sex offender treatment programs. 

A special sex offender disposition alternative was created for first time juvenile sex offenders who had not committed a serious violent offense.  Funding was also provided for at-risk juvenile sex offenders who were in the care and custody of the state.  It has been suggested that the at-risk program should be made available to juvenile sex offenders who are the subject of a dependency action and still reside at home.

SUMMARY:

The "at-risk juvenile sex offender" definition includes juveniles who are the subject of a dependency proceeding but are not in the care and custody of the state. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 9, 1993

TESTIMONY FOR:

This bill will expand the juvenile sex offender treatment criteria and allow DSHS to offer services to juveniles who still reside at home.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Bonnie Jacques, Office Chief, Division of Children and Family Services, DSHS (pro)