SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5542

               As Passed Senate, March 15, 1997

Title:  An act relating to the alien offender camp.

Brief Description:  Repealing the alien offender camp.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Hargrove, Schow and Kohl; by request of Department of Corrections.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  2/12/97, 2/18/97 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/15/97, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Long, Chair; Zarelli, Vice Chair; Franklin, Hargrove, Kohl, Schow and Stevens.

Staff:  Andrea McNamara (786-7483)

Background:  In 1995, the Legislature authorized the Department of Corrections (DOC) to establish an illegal alien offender camp.  The legislation further required DOC to be ready to assign offenders to the camp not later than January 1, 1997.

In preparation for the implementation of the illegal alien offender camp, DOC was directed to prepare a report identifying legal and fiscal issues needing further legislative action before the camp may be implemented.  As a result of the report, a bill was introduced to the 1996 Legislature specifying the eligibility criteria, selection process, programming, and other operational details needing further legislative action prior to implementation.

The bill, HB 2711 (1996) did not pass the Legislature.

Absent the necessary funding and legislative authority to implement the camp, DOC is requesting repeal of the underlying obligation to create the camp.

Summary of Bill:  The obligation for DOC to establish an illegal alien offender camp and be ready to assign offenders to the camp by January 1, 1997, is repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The legislation implementing the alien offender camp failed to pass the Legislature last year so the DOC should be relieved of its duty to create an alien offender camp.  Status of an offender as an alien should not be a factor in modifying a criminal sentence.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Eldon Vail, DOC (pro); Tom McBride, WAPA (pro).