HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1632

Establishing study group/training/state investigators     Public Hrg:  2/11/97

Brief Title

Reps. D. Schmidt/Scott/Reams (Req Atty. Gen.)        Staff Contact: S. Lundin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7127

BACKGROUND:

Various state agencies employ investigators, including the state patrol, public disclosure commission, state auditor=s office, and attorney=s general office.

SUMMARY:

A study group is created to develop mandatory training, policies and procedures for state investigators.

The study groups consists of the following 13 members:  The attorney general, chief of the state patrol, state auditor, one legislator from each caucus of the Senate and House of Representatives, a representative of the Governor=s office, two representatives of state agencies appointed by the Governor, a representative appointed by the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, a representative appointed by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and a representative appointed by the criminal justice program at the Washington State University.  The attorney general and chief of the state patrol co-chair the study group.

The study group develops minimum training requirements, including for civil and criminal investigations, evaluates current training requirements and policies, recommends who will provide training, recommends basic policies and procedures for investigators, develops cost estimates for mandatory training, and makes recommendations on the scope of duties and responsibilities of state investigators.

The study group is directed to deliver its recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 1997, and the law expires on June 1, 1998.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.