SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2533
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 February 19, 2010
Title: An act relating to adopting the interstate compact on mental health.
Brief Description: Concerning the interstate compact on mental health.
Sponsors: House Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Pearson, Hurst, Kelley and Morrell).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/10, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/19/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)
Background: The Uniform Criminal Extradition Act (UCEA) specifies procedures for extradition of a person who is charged with a crime in another state. Extradition is not permitted unless there is a written demand by another state alleging that the person was present in the state at the time of a commission of a crime and subsequently fled from the state, accompanied by an indictment or warrant or judgment of conviction made before a magistrate and a statement by the executive authority of the demanding state that the person has escaped from confinement or has broken the terms of the person's bail, probation, or parole. The UCEA was enacted in Washington in 1971.
The Interstate Compact on Mental Health is a compact enacted in Washington in 1965. It requires adopting states to provide mental health treatment to citizens from other adopting states and specifies terms by which a person receiving treatment may be transferred between states.
Summary of Bill: The Governor is authorized to arrest and transfer a person in this state who has been found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) in another state and who has fled from detention, commitment, or conditional release. This action is subject to the same procedures and limitations which apply under the UCEA. The Governor may also demand the return of a person who has been found NGRI and fled from detention, commitment, or conditional release.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This issue came to me because a gentlemen in my district caused a disturbance. The prosecutor found out that he was from Florida and fled from his treatment program there. Florida would like to have him come back and finish his mental health treatment, but we can't return him there because Washington is not part of an interstate compact. We would like the Governor to have the ability to extradite this person.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Pearson, prime sponsor.