Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee

HB 1785

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.

Background:

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is a general authority Washington law enforcement agency. Its primary function is the detection and apprehension of persons committing infractions or violating the traffic or criminal laws.

The Criminal Justice Training Commission provides basic law enforcement training, corrections training, and educational programs for criminal justice personnel, including commissioned officers, corrections officers, fire marshals, and prosecuting attorneys. During the 2008 legislative session, the Legislature enacted legislation that authorized the Criminal Justice Training Commission to participate in a "Chief for a Day" program that honors and pays special attention to chronically ill children. The program includes any appropriate honoring of the child as a chief, such as a certificate swearing the child in as a chief, a badge, a uniform, and donated gifts such as games, puzzles, and art supplies.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature finds that the WSP's participation in charitable work, such as the "Chief for a Day" program (program) that provides special attention to chronically ill children, advances the overall purposes of the WSP by promoting positive relationships between law enforcement and the citizens of Washington.The program is a special program where the WSP partners with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and the community to provide a day of special attention to chronically ill children. Each child is selected and sponsored by a law enforcement agency. The event may occur on the grounds and in the facilities of the WSP. The program may include any appropriate honoring of the child as a chief, such as a certificate swearing the child in as a chief, a badge, a uniform, and donated gifts such as games, puzzles, and art supplies.The duties and powers of the WSP are expanded to include promoting positive relationships between law enforcement and citizens by authorizing the WSP and staff to participate in the program events. The WSP is authorized to accept grants and gifts and use public facilities for purposes of the events. The Chief of the WSP may designate staff who participate in the program. However, all staff who participate in the events of the program must comply with the state's ethics rules and regulations.