SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6570

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Human Services & Corrections, February 6, 2002

Title:  An act relating to notification to coworkers of employment of sexually violent predator.

Brief Description:  Revising the requirements of notification to coworkers when a sexually violent predator is employed.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Hargrove, Oke, Haugen and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  1/30/02, 2/6/02 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6570 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Carlson, Franklin, Hewitt, Kastama, Kohl‑Welles, Long and Stevens.

Staff:  Fara Daun (786‑7459)

Background:  Employers of  persons who are civilly committed under Chapter 71.09 RCW and conditionally released to a less restrictive alternative are to notify all other employees of the conditionally released person's status.  Concerns were raised that if the employer was a large employer this could require notifying employees with whom the offender would never come into contact, including employees who worked in other states or other countries.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The existing employer notification is narrowed to those co‑workers with whom the conditionally released person is likely to have contact on a regular basis.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute bill does not include plan and report requirements in the original bill. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  DSHS supports the intent of the bill to narrow the scope to those employees with whom the conditionally released person would have regular contact.  There are technical issues to be worked out.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Beverly Wilson, Special Commitment Center, DSHS (pro).