SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5188

                    As of February 2, 1995

Title:  An act relating to juvenile disposition standards.

Brief Description:  Creating a juvenile disposition standards subcommittee under the sentencing guidelines commission.

Sponsors:  Senators Roach, Smith and Long.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  2/2/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background:  The Juvenile Disposition Standards Commission is charged with making recommendations to the Legislature regarding revisions to the disposition standards.  It also evaluates the effectiveness of existing disposition standards and related statutes, and reviews the guidelines relating to the confinement of minor and first offenders as well as diversion.

There is concern that the involvement of the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration in the commission may give rise to a conflict of interest because many of the recommendations of the commission impact the capacity and resources of the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration.

Summary of Bill:  A juvenile disposition standards subcommittee is established under the Sentencing Guidelines Commission.  It comprises a superior court judge, a prosecuting attorney, a representative from law enforcement, a juvenile court administrator, a public defender, a representative from county government, and a representative from the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration.  The subcommittee evaluates the effectiveness of existing disposition standards and proposed legislative changes and reports to the Sentencing Guidelines Commission by August 30 of each year.  The Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration provides data concerning juvenile dispositions to the subcommittee and reports on the effect of current statutes on the performance of administration's responsibilities.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 26, 1995.

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