HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

SB 5020

Title:An act relating to powers of district and municipal court judges.

Brief Description:Making ceratin sentencing conditions set by local judges enforceable county-wide.

Sponsors: Senators Fairley and Winsley.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

Staff:Yvonne Walker (786-7841)

Background:  In some jurisdictions, specific areas are designated as areas of prostitution.  When sentencing a defendant for a prostitution offense, the municipal or district court judge often includes a requirement that the defendant stay out of those designated areas of prostitution.

Questions have been raised as to whether a municipal judge can order a defendant to stay out of designated areas of prostitution that are outside the municipality.

Summary:  Sentencing conditions of release, suspension or a deferral of a sentence by a municipal court may include the prohibition of an offender from being present within any designated anti-prostitution emphasis area.  The prohibited area of prostitution may be located anywhere within any county that contains any portion of the city.  District courts may specify prohibited areas of prostitution anywhere within the county.  The conditions may be enforced by any law enforcement officer.

Require the Exercise of Rule- Making Powers:  No.

Fiscal Note:  Received on March 18, 1997.

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