| HB 3261.E - DIGEST |
| (DIGEST AS ENACTED) |
Provides that, in a hearing conducted under this act, the board shall provide opportunities for the victims of any crimes for which the offender has been convicted to present oral, video, written, or in-person testimony to the board. The procedures for victim input shall be developed by rule. To facilitate victim involvement, county prosecutor's offices shall ensure that any victim impact statements and known contact information for victims of record are forwarded as part of the judgment and sentence. |
| VETO MESSAGE ON EHB 3261 |
| March 29, 2006 |
| To the Honorable Speaker and Members, |
| The House of Representatives of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I am returning, without my approval as to Sections 1 and 3, Engrossed House Bill No. 3261 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to strengthening the review process by the indeterminate sentence review board by adding two members to the board and allowing victims to provide input at board hearings involving offenders sentenced under RCW 9.94A.712." |
| The Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board (ISRB) is experiencing an increased caseload with the 2001 addition of indeterminate sentencing for sex offenders. New board members will be needed in the future. However, they are not critically needed at this time. In order for the ISRB to run efficiently with its current and projected caseloads, its current staffing and technology limits need to be improved before it adds new board members. |
| An emergency clause is also unnecessary. Because it is already the practice of the ISRB to provide victims the ability to participate in its hearing process, victims will not be harmed by any delay in enactment. The ISRB is fully supportive of the amendment to Chapter 9.95.420 RCW, and has agreed to comply with the requirements of the amendment in the interim before this bill takes effect. |
| For these reasons, I have vetoed Sections 1 and 3 of Engrossed House Bill No. 3261. |
| With the exception of Sections 1 and 3, Engrossed House Bill No. 3261 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine O. Gregoire |
| Governor |