SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1992

As of March 28, 2001

Title:  An act relating to communications to schools from juvenile justice and care agencies.

Brief Description:  Providing for communications to schools from juvenile justice and care agencies.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Juvenile Justice (originally sponsored by Representatives Lantz and Woods).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  3/29/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Robert Antanaitis (786-7452)

Background:  Upon the decision to arrest or the arrest, law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney may cooperate with schools in releasing information pertaining to the investigation, diversion, and prosecution of a juvenile attending the school.  If the release of an incident report would jeopardize the investigation or prosecution, or endanger witnesses, law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys may release information to the maximum extent possible to assist schools in protecting other students, staff, and school property.

Summary of Bill:  Upon the decision to arrest or an arrest, and upon the request of the school, law enforcement must release information to the school pertaining to the investigation, diversion, or prosecution of a juvenile attending the school, including incident reports, if: (a) the victim of the alleged offense is a school employee or student and the alleged offense took place on school property or under school supervision; or (b) the alleged offense involves school property.  If the release of an incident report would jeopardize the investigation or prosecution, or endanger witnesses, law enforcement must release information to the extent possible to assist schools in protecting other students, staff, and school property.

The school may use the information it receives from law enforcement or the prosecuting attorney only for the purposes of formulating or amending an educational plan for the student or for investigating misconduct for which disciplinary action may be imposed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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