SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2625

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 Senate Committee On:

Judiciary, February 26, 2010

Sponsors: Representatives Kelley, Ericks, Conway, Driscoll, O'Brien, Liias, Blake, Finn, Simpson, Orwall, Morrell and Campbell.

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

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

Background: Under current law, all persons charged with crimes are entitled to bail except for those charged with a capital offense. Each county determines whether to use a bail schedule, which allows persons who have been arrested to post bail without having to appear before a judicial officer. In those counties that allow for the use of bail schedules, the amount set for bail is that which is specified in the bail schedule for the particular offense. A bail schedule may also set forth a requirement that a person must go before a judicial officer prior to posting bail for certain types of offenses.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): A legislative task force on bail is established. The task force must review all aspects of bail and pretrial release. There is no reimbursement for legislative members and nonlegislative members must seek reimbursement through their respective agencies or organizations. The task force must report its findings and recommendations to the Washington State Supreme Court, the Governor, and appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2010. The expiration of the task force falls on December 31, 2010.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): A legislative task force on bail is established. The task force must review all aspects of bail and pretrial release. There is no reimbursement for legislative members and nonlegislative members must seek reimbursement through their respective agencies or organizations. The task force must report its findings and recommendations to the Washington State Supreme Court, the Governor, and appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2010. The expiration of the task force falls on December 31, 2010.