FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1646

                         C 350 L 97

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Extending the existence of the indeterminate sentence review board.

Sponsors:  Representatives Quall, Ballasiotes, Dickerson and Sullivan.

House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:  Since 1984, offenders convicted in Washington receive determinate sentences. Before July 1, 1984, however, an offender who committed a crime received a indeterminate sentence. Under indeterminate sentencing, an offender convicted by a superior court of Washington and sentenced to an institution was placed under the authority of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB).

At least 750 felons in prison and 450 on parole remain under the supervision of the ISRB for release and continued supervision to the end of their maximum term, or until granted a final discharge from supervision of the board.  The board establishes the minimum prison sentence, evaluates readiness for parole release, sets conditions of parole release and returns offenders to prison for violations of their conditions of release.

The ISRB consists of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.  The Governor designates one of the board members to serve as chairperson.  Members of the board are prohibited from participating in any other business or profession, or holding a public office during their tenure on the board.

  ISRB will cease to exist June 30, 1998.

The Governor, through the Office of Financial Management, must recommend to the Legislature alternatives for carrying out the duties of the board.  In developing recommendations, the Office of Financial Management must consult with the ISRB, The Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, the Washington Defender Association, the Department of Corrections, and the Office of the Administrator for the Courts. The recommendations must include a detailed fiscal analysis and recommended formulas and procedures for the reimbursement of costs to local governments if necessary. Recommendations must be presented to the 1997 Legislature.

Summary: The membership of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) is reduced from seven to three members.

Statutory criteria is provided for the executive ethics board to use in determining whether to allow outside employment by ISRB members, officers, and employees.  Upon prior approval from the executive ethics board, members of the ISRB may participate in other businesses, professions, or hold a public office as long as it is not a conflict of interest, financial or otherwise, with their official ISRB duties.

The sunset of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board is delayed for an additional 10 years.  The board will cease to exist on June 30, 2008.

The date for the Governor to prepare recommendations regarding alternatives for carrying out the duties of board is extended from the year 1997 to the year 2007.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  95 0

Senate 46 0 (Senate amended)

House  92 0 (House concurred)

Effective:July 27,  1997