| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Human Services Committee | |
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.
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 Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/25/07
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 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 of Prison Terms and Paroles 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 state. In 1989, the Legislature delayed the termination of the Indeterminate
Sentence Review Board 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.