Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee

HB 1119

Brief Description: Regarding sex offender housing stipends.

Sponsors: Representatives Ericksen and Holmquist.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Department of Corrections to obtain approval from local government before distributing funds to facilitate housing for sex offenders.

Hearing Date: 1/28/05

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is required to provide offenders released from DOC facilities with at least $55 per week for up to six weeks. The DOC may extend the payments for up to 20 more weeks if the DOC is satisfied that the offender is actively seeking employment and the payments are necessary to continue the efforts of the offender to seek employment. The DOC may annually adjust the amount of the weekly payment to reflect changes in the cost of living and inflation.

Summary of Bill:

Before disbursing any funds used to facilitate housing for a released sex offender, the DOC must obtain approval from the county or city legislative authority where the offender intends to reside.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.