SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6244

                    As of January 22, 1998

Title:  An act relating to providing educational services for offenders under the age of eighteen and committed to a term of confinement in an adult correctional facility.

Brief Description:  Regarding the education of offenders under the age of eighteen who are housed in correctional facilities.

Sponsors:  Senators T. Sheldon, Hochstatter, Goings, Zarelli, McAuliffe, Rasmussen, Swecker and Stevens.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  1/23/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  William Bridges (786-7424)

Background:  An increasing number of juveniles are being incarcerated in adult prisons.  These facilities are primarily equipped to educate adults and many lack the resources to teach juveniles.  With the enactment of ESHB 3900 in 1997, the Department of Corrections (DOC) is required to assist juvenile inmates in obtaining high school diplomas or General Equivalency Diplomas.  But current law is silent regarding the Superintendent of Public Instruction's (SPI) duties in providing services for juveniles incarcerated in adult facilities.  In November 1997, a class action comprised of juvenile inmates in adult facilities was filed against SPI and DOC seeking (1) full basic education for youth under 21 years old, (2) special education programing for youth under 22 years old, and (3) compensatory educational services for youth beyond 21 years old. 

Summary of Bill:  School districts containing a correctional facility operated by DOC are not required to educate inmates under the age of 18 within the facility.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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