| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Human Services Committee | |
HB 2436
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: Allowing crime victims to submit input to the department of corrections regarding whether an offender should be placed into work release.
Sponsors: Representatives Rolfes, O'Brien, Eddy, Sells and Goodman.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/17/08
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
The Department of Corrections (DOC) is authorized to convert up to six months of an offender's
sentence to work release. Work release is a form of partial confinement in which offenders are
allowed into the community for employment purposes. The DOC is required, at least 30 days
prior to an offender's placement in work release, to notify the victim of the offender's crime of
the work release placement if: (a) the offender was convicted of a sex offense, a violent offense,
or felony harassment, and (b) the victim has requested such notification in writing.
Summary of Bill:
When the DOC notifies a crime victim about an offender's placement in work release, it must
also instruct the victim on how to submit input regarding the offender's placement. The DOC
must consider any input received at least seven days prior the offender's work release placement.
The DOC may consider input that is received less than seven days prior to the offender's work
release placement. The DOC is authorized to alter its placement decision based on victim input.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 10, 2008.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.