SB 6384-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares an intent to establish a penalty in law that will hold convicted domestic violence offenders accountable while requiring them to pay penalties to offset the costs of domestic violence advocacy and prevention programs. It is the intent that the penalties imposed against convicted domestic violence offenders under this act be used for established domestic violence prevention and prosecution programs.

Declares an intent that the revenue from the penalty assessment shall be in addition to existing sources of funding to enhance or help prevent the reduction and elimination of domestic violence prevention and prosecution programs.

Provides that all superior courts, and courts organized under Title 3 or 35 RCW, may impose a penalty assessment not to exceed one hundred dollars on any person convicted of a crime involving domestic violence. The assessment shall be in addition to, and shall not supersede, any other penalty, restitution, fines, or costs provided by law.

Provides that revenue from the assessment shall be used solely for the purposes of establishing and funding domestic violence advocacy and domestic violence prevention and prosecution programs in the city or county of the court imposing the assessment.

Declares that revenue from the assessment shall not be used for indigent criminal defense. If the city or county does not have domestic violence advocacy or domestic violence prevention and prosecution programs, cities and counties may use the revenue collected from the assessment to contract with recognized community-based domestic violence program providers.

Declares that the assessment imposed under this act shall not be subject to any state or local remittance requirements under chapter 3.46, 3.50, 3.62, 7.68, 10.82, or 35.20 RCW.

Provides that, when determining whether to impose a penalty assessment under this act, judges are encouraged to solicit input from the victim or representatives for the victim in assessing the ability of the convicted offender to pay the penalty, including information regarding current financial obligations, family circumstances, and ongoing restitution.