FINAL BILL REPORT

                  2SSB 5108

                          C 168 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Creating a task force on missing and exploited children.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Patterson, Johnson, Eide, Rossi, Prentice, T. Sheldon, Winsley, McAuliffe, Oke, Kohl‑Welles and Costa; by request of Lieutenant Governor).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections

Background:  Juveniles are reported missing for many reasons including running away, abduction by strangers, or custodial interference. Washington ranks 12th in the nation for active missing children cases on any given day.  Compounding the problem is the fact that these cases can present very complex issues and fact patterns.

Summary:  A task force on missing and exploited children is established and housed in the Washington State Patrol under the direction of the chief.  Upon request, the task force may provide direct assistance and case management, technical assistance, personnel training, referral for assistance, and coordination and information sharing.  By December 1, 2001, and annually thereafter, the chief must submit a performance report to the Legislature.

Wherever feasible, existing facilities and resources must be used.  The Chief of the State Patrol must seek public and private grants to support the task force.

A six-member advisory board is established to advise the chief on the objectives, conduct, management, and coordination of task force activities.  Five members are appointed by the chief and the sixth member is appointed by the Attorney General.  Board members serve two-year terms.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 45 0

House     97 0 (House amended)

Senate    44 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 25, 1999