S-3622.2  _______________________________________________

                    SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 8034

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington   57th Legislature        2002 Regular Session

By Senators Costa, Long, Hargrove, Kastama, Kline and Winsley

Read first time 01/23/2002.  Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

Requesting that the Supreme Court enter into compacts with the Tribal nations concerning criminal justice information.

    TO THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

    We, your Memorialists, the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Washington, in legislative session assembled, respectfully represent and petition as follows:

    WHEREAS, A cost-efficient and effective public safety system is a core function of government; and

    WHEREAS, The cost-efficiency and effectiveness of public safety is contingent upon the ability of the judicial branch of governments to quickly provide and share accurate information amongst its members; and

    WHEREAS, The legislature of the State of Washington recognizes the sovereign status of the Tribal nations located within the boundaries of the state; and

    WHEREAS, The Supreme Court of the State of Washington has the authority to enter agreements with Tribal nations on judicial information sharing; and

    WHEREAS, Such compacts could enhance victim and public safety, reduce the likelihood of inconsistent judicial decisions, provide law enforcement personnel with current and accurate information, reduce inappropriate judicial forum shopping, and increase public confidence in state and tribal judicial systems;

    NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the Supreme Court of the State of Washington negotiate compacts with the Tribal nations located within the boundaries of the state for sharing of criminal justice information between the state and the nations; and

    FURTHER, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that, in the most cost-effective manner possible, the compacts establish protocols, practices, and policies for entry and sharing of criminal justice information in state and tribal justice systems; address and resolve matters involving wrongful dissemination of information and the liability therefore; and establish dispute resolution and termination procedures; and

    FURTHER, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the Supreme Court of the State of Washington provide ongoing information to the Governor and the Legislature regarding the execution of compacts and an annual report on the establishment and revision of such compacts; and

    BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately transmitted to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the state of Washington and to the Tribal nations located within the boundaries of Washington State.

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