HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1632

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                  Government Administration

Title:  An act relating to training for state investigators.

Brief Description:  Establishing a study group to determine whether further training for state investigators is needed.

Sponsors:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Scott, Reams, Kenney, Blalock, Dickerson, Wood, Ogden, Costa, Dunn, Tokuda, Butler and Cole; by request of Attorney General.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Government Administration:  2/11/97, 2/18/97 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 12 members:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Chairman; D. Sommers, Vice Chairman; Scott, Ranking Minority Member; Gardner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Doumit; Dunshee; Murray; Reams; Smith; L. Thomas; Wensman and Wolfe.

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786-7127).

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

Summary of Substitute Bill:  A study group is created to develop mandatory training, policies and procedures for state investigators.

The study group 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 Office of the Attorney General provides staff and administrative support for the study group.

The study group develops minimum training requirements, including training requirements 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.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The Department of Social and Health Services is added to the list of agencies upon which the study group shall focus.  The Office of the Attorney General provides staff and administrative support.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 11, 1997.

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

Testimony For:  The Office of the Attorney General will absorb the costs of the study.  This is very important.  We need coordinated training.  In some instances a civil investigation can impair a subsequent criminal investigation.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Annette Sandberg, Washington State Patrol; Christine Gregoire, Attorney General; and Gary Gilbert, Liquor Control Board.