2070.E AMS BENT DAVI 138

EHB 2070 - S AMD to S COMM AMD (JUD S-3079.1/07) 430

   By    Senators Kline, Benton and Hargrove

ADOPTED 4/10/2007

   On page 2, after line 26 of the amendment, insert the following:

   "NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) The task force on sentencing of persistent offenders is hereby created for the purpose of conducting a review of the crimes considered a most serious offense. The objectives of the task force are to:

    (a) Examine existing evidence concerning the types of offenses committed by individuals convicted only of the crimes of assault in the second degree and robbery in the second degree and sentenced to life in prison as a persistent offender;

     (b) Evaluate whether the inclusion of assault in the second degree and robbery in the second degree as crimes classified as most serious offenses has resulted in disproportionate sentencing of individuals; and

   (c) Assess the objectives of the three-strikes law and evaluate whether the crimes of assault in the second degree and robbery in the second degree should continue to be classified as most serious offenses.

    (2) The task force shall be composed of:

    (a) One member of each of the two largest caucuses of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate;

    (b) One member of each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

   (c) One police chief appointed by the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs;

   (d) One representative of the Washington association of criminal defense lawyers;

    (e) One representative of the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys; and

    (f) One representative of the Washington coalition of crime victim advocates.

    (3) Legislative members of the task force shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 44.04.120. Nonlegislative members, except those representing an employer or organization, are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

  (4) The task force shall make a report, together with any recommendations, to the legislature not later than December 31, 2007.

   NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. Section 3 of this act expires June 30, 2008."

   Renumber the sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

EHB 2070 - S AMD to S COMM AMD (JUD S-3079.1/07)

   By Senator Benton

   On page 3, line 1 of the title amendment, after "sentences;" strike the remainder of the title amendment and insert "amending RCW 9.94A.537; creating new sections; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency."

--- END ---

EFFECT: A task force is created to evaluate the inclusion of assault in the second degree and robbery in the second degree within the list of crimes considered most serious offenses and whether these crimes should continue to be classified as most serious offenses for purposes of the "Three-Strikes" law.