SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6758

                As Passed Senate, March 3, 1998

Title:  An act relating to the work ethic camp program.

Brief Description:  Repealing the expiration date for the work ethic camp program.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Hargrove and West.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  2/14/98 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/3/98, 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:  Fara Daun (786-7459)

Background:  Current law includes a sunset provision for the Department of Corrections (DOC) work ethic camp.  The same statutory section includes specific requirements relating to starting the camp.  These requirements have been completed.

Summary of Bill:  The statutory section that sets a sunset date, requires certain studies, and requires the department to seek federal funding for implementation is repealed.

The bill is necessary to implement the budget.  It will save the state approximately $5.1 million in fiscal year 1999, and $8.9 million in subsequent years.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The work ethic camp has about the same effectiveness as a traditional sentence, for the same group of offenders, at a substantial savings to the state.  The new facility, which was built with federal funds, will open within the next two weeks.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Jeanine Long, prime sponsor (pro); Jackie Campbell, DOC (pro).