Brief Description: Restricting correctional facilities on the grounds of a state hospital.

Sponsors: Representatives Green, Talcott, Conway and Darneille.

Hearing Date: 2/8/05

Staff: Kathryn Leathers (786-7114).

Background:

A state hospital means any hospital, including a child study or treatment center, that is operated and maintained by the state for the principal purpose of caring for adults and minors whose primary diagnosis involves a mental disorder. Such hospitals provide both inpatient and outpatient care for persons who enter the facility by voluntary commitment or involuntary commitment, or pursuant to court order as part of a criminal proceeding. The hospitals are Western State Hospital, Eastern State Hospital, and the Child Study and Treatment Center.

All powers, duties, and functions assigned to the Secretary of the DSHS relating to adult correctional programs and institutions are transferred to the Secretary of the DOC. The DOC is authorized by statute to establish or relocate work release or other community-based facilities if mandatory public notice and hearing requirements are satisfied.

Summary of Bill:

Any program, facility, or institution that serves violent offenders and is operated by the DSHS (whether directly or under contract with the DSHS) is prohibited from being located or operated on the grounds of a state hospital. Such programs, facilities, or institutions include, but are not limited to, work release programs. This prohibition is prospective only and does not apply to a program, facility, or institution serving violent offenders that is located or operated on the grounds of a state hospital on the effective date of the bill.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.