SSB 5634

HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5634

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: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Brandland, Kline, McCaslin and Delvin; by request of Criminal Justice Training Commission).

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. 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 Amended 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.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:

A drafting error is corrected by deleting the section (Section 1(4)) that states that "nothing shall affect the employment status of an employee who does not participate in training." Current law requires all correctional officers and law enforcement officers to complete training within the first six months of being hired.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The striking amendment proposed before the committee ensures that the language of the Senate bill is identical to the House companion bill that was passed out by the committee several weeks ago. This bill does not change any provisions regarding the basic or core training requirements for corrections officers. The old language in the past has caused some confusion. This bill is just clean-up language.

(Opposed) None.