BILL REQ. #:  Z-0576.1 

Read first time 01/31/2003.   Referred to Committee on Children & Family Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to pilot regional correctional facilities; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that numerous changes to the sentencing reform act, chapter 9.94A RCW, as reported by the sentencing guidelines commission, have resulted in increases in the length of local jail and state prison sentences and in the number of local jail and state prison inmates. The intent of the sentencing reform act, particularly provisions regarding protection of the public, reduction of the risk of reoffense, and making frugal use of state and local government resources, would best be served, in many instances, by local and state corrections authorities sharing resources and jurisdiction over regional correctional facilities.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) Not later than December 31, 2003, the sentencing guidelines commission shall present to the legislature a plan for establishing pilot regional correctional facilities.
     (2) The plan for establishing pilot regional correctional facilities must include, but is not limited to, the following:
     (a) A plan for increasing the space availability in local and county jails for pretrial detainees;
     (b) An efficient and effective plan for joint use of total confinement beds by local and state government;
     (c) A description of proposed shared and/or revised jurisdiction and operational responsibility, including the possibility of establishing a regional corrections authority;
     (d) A summary of proposed changes to the criminal code reflecting revised housing jurisdiction;
     (e) A description of the inmate population eligible for placement in pilot regional correctional facilities;
     (f) A review of treatment services and programs intended to meet the needs of special populations including drug and substance abuse, mental health, and special medical needs;
     (g) An estimate of potential benefits to local and county jail operators and to the state, which could be realized by implementation of pilot programs;
     (h) A proposed method for identifying pilot regional correctional facility sites;
     (i) A methodology for evaluating the costs benefit of operation of pilot facilities; and
     (j) Recommendations for shared funding of the construction and operation cost of the facilities from state and local resources.