SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 1792
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 of March 20, 2009
Title: An act relating to establishing search and arrest authority provisions of offenders by department of corrections personnel.
Brief Description: Establishing search and arrest authority provisions of offenders by department of corrections personnel.
Sponsors: House Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Dickerson, O'Brien, Hurst, Morrell, Orwall, Green, Dammeier, Klippert, Walsh, Kelley and Ormsby; by request of Department of Corrections).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/05/09, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 3/19/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Staff: Shani Bauer (786-7468)
Background: Currently, a community corrections officer may conduct a pat-down search or protective frisk in two situations:
when the officer has reasonable cause to believe that an offender has violated a condition of that offender's sentence; and
when the officer stops an individual for a legitimate purpose, the officer has a reasonable safety concern, and the frisk is limited to the protective purpose.
Summary of Bill: An offender may be required to submit to a pat-down search by a community corrections officer, correctional officer, or other agency-approved staff, without reasonable cause, when the offender is in or on department premises or vehicles. Except in emergency situations, searches of offenders may only be conducted by staff of like gender.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is needed to enhance the safety and security of staff, offenders, families, and volunteers entering field offices. Assaultive, violent, dangerously mentally ill, and sex offenders enter DOC buildings on a daily basis. This bill allows community corrections officers to pat-search an offender prior to entering the premises for the safety of the officers and innocent bystanders who may be in the office conducting business.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Armando Mendoza, Department of Corrections; Matt Zuvich, Washington Federation of State Employees.