HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1220
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Human Services
Title: An act relating to the appointment of indeterminate sentence review board members.
Brief Description: Modifying provisions affecting the appointment of indeterminate sentence review board members.
Sponsors: Representatives Hurst, Kelley, Sells, Dunshee, Kenney, Lovick, McCoy, O'Brien and Simpson; by request of Indeterminate Sentence Review Board.
Brief History:
Human Services: 1/25/07, 1/30/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Dickerson, Chair; Roberts, Vice Chair; Ahern, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Darneille, McCoy and O'Brien.
Staff: Sonja Hallum (786-7092).
Background:
When the Sentencing Reform Act (SRA) was enacted in 1981, Washington changed from an
indeterminate to a determinate sentencing scheme. Under the indeterminate scheme, the
Board of Prison Terms and Paroles (Board) had jurisdiction over the committed offenders
and would decide when the offender would be paroled and under what circumstances the
offender's parole could be revoked. The judge would recommend a minimum term, but other
responsibilities rested with the Board.
In 1986, the Board was redesignated the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB). The
ISRB assumed the responsibility of supervision, parole, and revocation of those persons
sentenced to felony offenses prior to July 1, 1984, which was the effective date of the SRA.
The Legislature contemplated phasing out the ISRB as more and more prisoners were
sentenced under the SRA. In 1986, the Legislature provided that the ISRB would cease to
exist on June 30, 1992, and that all of its powers, functions, and duties involving persons
sentenced under the indeterminate sentencing scheme would be transferred to the superior
courts of Washington. In 1989, the Legislature delayed the termination of the ISRB until
1998, and in 1997 termination of the ISRB was again delayed until June 30, 2008.
In 2001, legislation was enacted that created a type of sentencing known as "determinate
plus" sentencing. In determinate plus sentencing, the court will sentence the offender to a
minimum term and a maximum term. The ISRB is required to evaluate the offender prior to
the expiration of the minimum term. If the evaluation does not result in the release of the
offender, the ISRB must re-evaluate the offender at least once every two years up to the
offender's maximum term.
Currently, the ISRB is comprised of the chair and two other members, all appointed by the
Governor.
Summary of Bill:
The chair of the ISRB is designated as the director of the agency and a fully participating
board member. Two members are added to the ISRB.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Indeterminate sentencing was passed a few years ago and, as a law enforcement
officer, I can see it is making a difference. Due to indeterminate sentencing, the ISRB has
much more work. They need more employees to keep up with the added work. The current
ISRB members are only part-time and are only available part of the week. The caseload
requires more time than is currently available.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Hurst, prime sponsor; and Jeri Costa, Indeterminate Sentence Review Board.