HB 1607

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1607

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:
Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Lovick, Pearson and Strow; by request of Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives O'Brien, Chair; Hurst, Vice Chair; Pearson, Ranking Minority Member; Ross, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Goodman and Lovick.

Background:

The Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) provides basic corrections training, law enforcement training, and educational programs for criminal justice personnel, including commissioned officers, corrections officers, fire marshals, and prosecuting attorneys.

"Basic law enforcement officer training" is generally required of all law enforcement officers, with the exception of volunteers, and reserve officers employed in Washington. The training consists of a 720-hour program covering a wide variety of subjects including: constitutional and criminal law and procedures, criminal investigation, firearms training, and communication and writing skills. All law enforcement personnel hired, transferred, or promoted, are required to complete the "core training" requirements within six months unless the employee receives a waiver from the CJTC.

"Basic corrections officer training" is generally required of all corrections officers. The training consists of a 160-hour program covering a wide variety of subjects, including proper use of: physical force; security management; interpersonal communication; supervision; discipline; inmate manipulation; inmate mental health problems; booking and intake; fingerprinting; constitutional and criminal law; gangs; hostage survival; critical incident survival; and report writing. All corrections personnel hired, transferred, or promoted to a supervisory position, are required to complete the "core training" requirements within the first six months unless waived by the CJTC.

The statutory provisions relating to "core training" for corrections personnel in supervisory positions is located in the same section as the statutory provisions that relate to the "basic training" for corrections officers.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

The statutory provisions relating to the "core training" requirements for corrections officers in supervisory positions is removed from the statutory provisions relating to "basic training" and is relocated to the same section and statutory provisions as the "core training" requirements for law enforcement officers.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill merges HB 1607 and HB 1609 together into one bill. As a result, the section relating to the core training requirements for corrections officers is moved to the same statute and section as the core training requirements for law enforcement officers.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) These two proposals (HB 1607 and HB 1609) were introduced to fix some confusing language. Under HB 1607, the repeal of RCW 43.101.160 which happened several years ago, made it unclear as to whether or not the CJTC had the authority and responsibility to set standards for basic training for corrections officers. The clean-up language in the bill makes it clear that it is under the CJTC's authority. Under HB 1609, in order to clarify some confusion, the language relating to the core training requirements for supervisors and managers is being moved to the same section of the statute where core training is reflected for law enforcement officers.

(Opposed) None.