Brief Description: Adding domestic violence court order violation to the list of offenses eligible for notification.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Pearson, Dickerson, Loomis, Hurst, Morrell, Sullivan, Kenney, McDonald, Hudgins and Kelley; by request of Department of Corrections.

Hearing Date: 1/29/08

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

Victim Notification

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is required to send written notice of parole, release, community custody, work release placement, furlough, or escape, to certain persons at least 30 days in advance. This notice requirement applies to offenders convicted of a violent offense, a sex offense, or felony harassment. The list of persons to whom the notice must be sent includes:

• The chief of police of the city in which the offender will reside or be placed in work release;
• The sheriff of the county in which the offender will reside or be placed in work release;
• The State Patrol (sex offenders only);
• Any victim, witness, or person specified by the prosecuting attorney, who has requested notice; and
• Any person who has requested notice, at least 60 days prior to release, about a sex offender.

Domestic Violence Court Orders

A variety of court orders may be issued to protect persons from domestic violence. Violation of protection orders issued in this state and by other jurisdictions is a gross misdemeanor in most circumstances. If, however, the defendant has two or more convictions for violating a protection order, the offense is an "unranked" class C felony punishable by 0-12 months in jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Summary of Bill:

The DOC's notification program is expanded to include offenders convicted of domestic violence court orders.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 18, 2008.

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