BILL REQ. #:  S-3847.1 

Read first time 01/11/2006.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to creating a joint select committee on offenders programs, sentencing, and supervision; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that "good time" should be productive time, especially for those incarcerated in Washington's criminal justice facilities. The legislature finds that it is important to the safety of the public and to rehabilitation of offenders that changes be considered to other programs offered in prisons and in the community. The legislature further finds that reforms to sentencing and supervision of offenders returning to the community may enhance public safety and reduce crime and victimization. Therefore, the legislature intends to create a joint select committee on offenders programs, sentencing, and supervision to provide findings and recommendations for the 2007 legislative session.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A joint select committee on offenders programs, sentencing, and supervision is established.
     (1) The joint select committee shall consist of the following persons:
     (a) One member from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate, with at least one member being a member of the senate human services and corrections committee;
     (b) One member from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, with at least one member being a member of the house criminal justice and corrections committee;
     (c) Three members from the department of social and health services, representing mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, and medical assistance;
     (d) One member from the Washington state association of counties;
     (e) One member from the association of Washington cities;
     (f) Two members representing crime victims, appointed jointly by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives;
     (g) One person from the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys;
     (h) One person from the Washington association of criminal defense lawyers;
     (i) One person from the state board for community and technical colleges;
     (j) One person from the department of corrections representing community corrections officers;
     (k) One person from the Washington federation of state employees;
     (l) One person from the department of corrections representing correctional staff;
     (m) One person selected by the governor; and
     (n) Two persons representing local law enforcement, with one representing cities and one representing counties.
     (2) The chair of the joint select committee shall be a legislative member chosen by the joint select committee members.
     (3) The joint select committee shall review and make recommendations regarding:
     (a) The type of offender that would benefit most in terms of personal achievement, responsibility, and community safety, by having the opportunity to receive enhanced training and education while in prison;
     (b) The types of training and educational programs that would provide the greatest return on investment with regard to offender achievement, responsibility, and community;
     (c) Changes to the sentencing law and policies related to "good time" that would encourage incarcerated offenders to participate in training and programs that will increase the likelihood that they will be able to support themselves when they leave prison and reduce recidivism;
     (d) A method for evaluating the return on the investment and determining from front line department of corrections staff and community partners, whether the changes are improving personal responsibility on the part of the offender and reducing crime in the community; and
     (e) Changes to community supervision that would provide greater safety to the public and incentives for prisons in adhering to treatment, educational goals, and reducing recidivism.
     (4) The joint select committee shall present a report of its findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature, including any proposed legislation, by November 15, 2007.
     (5) The joint select committee may, where feasible, consult with individuals from the public and private sector in carrying out its duties under this section.
     (6) Nonlegislative members of the joint select committee shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. Legislative members of the joint select committee shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 44.04.120.
     (7) The staff from senate committee services and the office of program research of the house of representatives shall provide support to the joint select committee.
     (8) This section expires December 1, 2007.