SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1919

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.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Carrell, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Roach and Tom.

Background: Drug courts are pre-adjudication programs that provide eligible defendants with an opportunity to receive drug treatment instead of incarceration. The defendant enters into a "contract" with the court to abide by certain conditions, waives the right to a trial, and stipulates to the facts in the police report. Upon completion of treatment, the charges are dismissed. If the defendant fails to complete the program requirements, the defendant is sentenced on the charges.

The Criminal Justice Treatment Account was created in 2002. Monies in the account are limited to the following purposes: (1) substance abuse treatment and treatment support services for offenders with an addiction, against whom charges have been filed by a prosecuting attorney in Washington; (2) provision of drug and alcohol treatment services and treatment support services for nonviolent offenders within a drug court program; and (3) operation of the Integrated Crisis Response and Intensive Case Management pilots during the 2007-2009 biennium. A dollar-for-dollar match of local funds or in-kind contributions is required for all state drug court funding.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): Funds in the Criminal Justice Treatment Account (CJTA) may be used for drug court program operating and administrative costs. However, not more than 10 percent of the funds received by a county or group of counties participating in a regional agreement may be spent on operating and administrative costs associated with the a drug court program. No local match or maintenance of effort is required on the CJTA funding that is used for operating and administrative costs.

The authorization to expend funds for drug court program operating and administrative costs expires June 30, 2013.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): Clarifies that a county may use up to 10 percent of the Criminal Justice Treatment Account funding for administrative and overhead costs associated with the operation of a drug court.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Judiciary): PRO: During these economic times, many courts are in danger of having to shut down for lack of funding. Drug courts work. This bill will allow counties to use a small amount of funding to administer the drug court program. Drug courts cannot function without a court administrator or case manager. There is a sunset date, so the flexibility to use these funds is only for a short period of time.