HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1785

As Reported by House Committee On:

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Title: An act relating to the Washington state patrol chief for a day program.

Brief Description: Concerning the chief for a day program.

Sponsors: Representatives Armstrong, O'Brien, Condotta and Kelley; by request of Washington State Patrol.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness: 2/10/09 [DP].

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Hurst, Chair; O'Brien, Vice Chair; Pearson, Ranking Minority Member; Klippert, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Goodman, Kirby and Ross.

Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841)

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 (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.

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Summary of Bill:

The Legislature finds that the WSP's participation in charitable work, such as the 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.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill affords chronically ill children the opportunity to be a chief for the day. As part of the festivities they may get a badge and uniform. There is no cost to the state. The Legislature authorized the program for the Criminal Justice Training Commission as well as other law enforcement agencies last year but the bill as enacted did not include the WSP. This bill addresses the question of how to handle gifts of public funds. This is a very heartfelt activity that law enforcement agencies participate in each year.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative O'Brien; and Jeff De Vere, Washington State Patrol.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.