HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5987
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Human Services
Title: An act relating to department of corrections training.
Brief Description: Authorizing the Washington state department of corrections to develop training for corrections personnel.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Regala, Hargrove and Shin; by request of Department of Corrections).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Human Services: 3/25/09 [DP].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Dickerson, Chair; Orwall, Vice Chair; Dammeier, Ranking Minority Member; Green, Klippert, Morrell, O'Brien and Walsh.
Staff: Linda Merelle (786-7092)
Background:
The Criminal Justice Training Commission (Commission) must provide the training required for corrections personnel of Washington and all counties and municipal corporations in accordance with standards adopted by the Commission. Unless waived or extended by the Commission, the training must be successfully completed within the first six months of employment, and successful completion is a condition for continued employment.
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Summary of Bill:
The Commission is no longer responsible for training of the personnel of the Department of Corrections (DOC). The DOC is responsible for identifying training standards, designing curricula and programs, and providing training for its corrections personnel. In developing its training curricula, it must consult with experts in staff development and professionals within and outside of the agency, including labor organizations. The Secretary of the DOC is responsible for assuring that the training needs of the corrections personnel are met by the DOC's training program. The Secretary of the DOC must annually conduct an assessment of the training programs for its personnel.
New personnel of the DOC must, within a period of time to be determined by the Secretary of the DOC, unless waived or extended: (1) successfully complete core training requirements; and (2) successfully complete all remaining requirements for career level certification prescribed by the Secretary of the DOC applicable to their position or rank.
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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 is a very important bill for the DOC whose personnel have some unique situations. This bill will enable the DOC to work directly with their personnel for training to deal with those kinds of unique situations. This bill will make the DOC more nimble. One example of this can be found in areas where there have been reports of corrections officers having inappropriate contact with female prisoners.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Regala, prime sponsor; and John Scott Blonien, Kevin Bovenkamp, Department of Corrections.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.