SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5141

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: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5141 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell and Kauffman.

Background: Washington has invested in evidence-based juvenile offender treatment programs identified by the Washington State Institute of Public Policy as having a positive cost-benefit ratio for taxpayers. Some of these programs demonstrate increased rates of success for juvenile offenders when the family of the offender participates appropriately in the program.

In 2005 the Legislature authorized county legislative authorities to raise sales and use taxes by one tenth of a percent for the purpose of providing new or expanded chemical dependency and mental health treatment programs.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) must establish a pilot program in one or more counties. The pilot program is intended to promote increased participation by families in evidence-based programs for juvenile offenders by providing an incentive to families who make a good faith effort to participate in a program recommended by the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration. The incentive may include transportation support, child care costs, or a small monetary incentive to defray the cost of participation. DSHS must establish guidelines for participation in the program in consultation with the University of Washington (UW). DSHS must contract with UW to provide support and assistance. DSHS, in cooperation with UW, must evaluate the results of the program and provide a preliminary report to the Legislature by December 1, 2011, and a final report by December 1, 2013.

This act has an expiration date of June 30, 2014. The bill has a null and void clause.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The evidence-based programs eligible for the pilot and types of incentives available are specified. A null and void clause was added.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: Research shows that we can strengthen families, improve outcomes, and save taxpayer money by investing in evidence-based programs. The incentives in the program will offset the cost of participation in the most effective programs we have. These programs save $30,000 to $80,000 per year and prevent future incarceration. Treatment interventions are supported by the public.