| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee | |
HB 1183
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.
Brief Description: Appointing a director of the sentencing guidelines commission.
Sponsors: Representatives Jarrett, Sommers, Wood and Roberts.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/22/07
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
The Sentencing Guidelines Commission (Commission) was created by the Legislature in 1981 as
part of the Sentencing Reform Act (SRA). The Commission serves as an independent body to
develop criminal sentencing guidelines and standards for recommendation to the Legislature.
Commission responsibilities include annually evaluating state sentencing policies with the goal
of achieving consistencies between sentencing ranges and standards for the multitude of offenses
defined in state law.
The commission consists of 20 voting members, 16 of whom are appointed by the Governor.
The appointed members include four superior court judges, two defense attorneys, two
prosecutors, four citizens, the chief of a local law enforcement agency, one county elected
official, one city elected official, and one administrator of juvenile court services. There are four
ex-officio voting members: the Secretary of the Department of Corrections, the Director of the
Office of Financial Management, the Chair of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board, and the
head of the state agency (or his or her designee) having responsibility for juvenile corrections
programs. Four legislators are appointed by the leadership of the House of Representatives and
the Senate and serve as nonvoting members.
The Commission is authorized to appoint research staff to accomplish the duties of the
Commission. In addition, the Commission may appoint a full-time executive officer whose
salary is fixed by the Governor.
Summary of Bill:
The Director of the Commission is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Governor,
subject to Senate confirmation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.