| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Human Services Committee | |
HB 2551
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: Expanding the types of treatment programs provided under the suspended disposition alternative for juveniles.
Sponsors: Representatives Dickerson, Appleton, McCoy, Roberts, Kenney and Kagi.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/22/08
Staff: Brian Considine (786-7290).
Background:
The Juvenile Justice Act governs the disposition (or sentencing) of juvenile offenders. It
contains a sentencing grid with presumptive sanctions based on the seriousness of the offense
and prior criminal history. The court has several sentencing options for juvenile offenders - a
standard sentencing range (Option A), suspended disposition alternative (Option B), chemical
dependency disposition alternative (Option C), manifest injustice (Option D), or the mental
health disposition alternative.
Under Option B, the court may impose the standard range and suspend the sentence on condition
that the offender comply with one or more local sanctions and any educational or treatment
requirements.
When the juvenile offender is ordered into a treatment program under Option B, the treatment
programs provided to the offender must be research-based best practice programs as identified
by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy or the Joint Legislative Audit and Review
Committee.
If the offender fails to comply with the suspended disposition conditions, the court may order
sanctions or revoke the suspended disposition and order the imposition of the original sentence.
Summary of Bill:
A juvenile offender is allowed to enter a non-research-based treatment program so long as the
program can demonstrate positive returns to the state or local government, and no research-based
programs are available to meet the treatment needs of the juvenile.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.