HB 2257 - DIGEST

     Revises provisions relating to the participation of parents or guardians at juvenile court hearings.

     Authorizes pilot projects to allow courts of limited jurisdiction to exercise concurrent jurisdiction with the juvenile court under certain circumstances.

     Directs the sentencing guidelines commission to make recommendations for new disposition standards which will result in a simplified system to focus on the need to protect public safety by emphasizing punishment, deterrence, and confinement for violent and repeat offenders.

     Requires an annual report on security at juvenile facilities during the preceding year.

     Revises the description and offense category table in RCW 13.40.0357.

     Provides that, in all disposition orders that include commitment to the department, the court shall make a finding of reasonable rehabilitative goals for the juvenile.

     Provides for mandatory commitment periods for theft and delivery of firearms.

     Directs the department, when a juvenile is committed to a state institution, to provide a report containing an evaluation of the juvenile's behavior and performance during commitment for the court's consideration in establishing a discharge date.

     Establishes procedures and requirements for parole violations.

     Requires chemical dependency examinations in certain cases.

     Designates recommended prosecuting standards for charging and plea dispositions.

     Authorizes schools to contract with public or private entities to provide educational services for students who have been adjudicated of juvenile offenses.