HB 2721 - DIGEST

     Provides that a minimum term of five years of total confinement shall be mandatory for the following crimes when the crime is committed by a certificated employee or classified employee employed by a school district pursuant to Title 28A RCW who has contact with children during the course of his or her employment:  Any felony crime involving the physical neglect of a child under chapter 9A.42 RCW, the physical injury or death of a child under chapter 9A.32 or 9A.36 RCW (except motor vehicle violations under chapter 46.61 RCW), sexual exploitation of a child under chapter 9.68A RCW, sexual offenses under chapter 9A.44 RCW where a minor is the victim, promoting prostitution of a minor under chapter 9A.88 RCW, the sale or purchase of a minor child under RCW 9A.64.030, or violation of similar laws of another jurisdiction.

     Provides that any certificated employee or classified employee employed by a school district pursuant to this act who has contact with children during the course of his or her employment who is charged with any crime listed in RCW 9.94A.120(22) shall immediately be placed on leave.  The salary or wages of the employee shall be placed in a trust account.  Upon a finding of guilty, the funds in the trust account shall revert to the school district.  If the employee is found not guilty or the charges are dismissed, the employee shall receive the amount retained in the trust account.