FINAL BILL REPORT

ESB 5991

C 216 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Changing minimum requirements for the existing secure community transition facility.

Sponsors: Senators Stevens, Hargrove, Parlette, Regala, Carlson, McAuliffe and Winsley.

Senate Committee on Children & Family Services & Corrections

House Committee on Appropriations

Background: Under current law, the secure community transition facility (SCTF) on McNeil Island has a minimum staffing ratio of one staff member to each resident during normal waking hours and one staff member for every two residents during normal sleeping hours while the facility has six or fewer residents.

The legislation authorizing the construction and occupation of the SCTF on McNeil Island required a law enforcement officer to be on the island 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This requirement is currently being met by Washington State Patrol officers working overtime.

Changes to minimum staffing ratios for SCTFs or to the requirement for law enforcement around the clock for the SCTF on McNeil Island cannot be made except by the Legislature.

Summary: Minimum staffing ratios at the SCTF on McNeil Island are one staff member to three residents during normal waking hours and one staff member to four residents during normal sleeping hours subject to a minimum of two staff per housing unit.

The emergency response team for McNeil Island shall plan, coordinate, and respond in the event of an escape from the Special Commitment Center or the SCTF on McNeil Island.

The section requiring a law enforcement officer to be present on the island around the clock is repealed.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       39   9

House       60  37  (House amended)

Senate       39  10  (Senate concurred)

Effective: July 1, 2003