SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5207
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:
Human Services & Corrections, January 30, 2009
Title: An act relating to the rights of victims, survivors, and witnesses of crimes to be heard before the indeterminate sentence review board and clemency and pardons board.
Brief Description: Addressing the rights of victims, survivors, and witnesses of crimes.
Sponsors: Senators Regala, Stevens, Hargrove, Fraser and Kohl-Welles.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/29/09, 1/30/09 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland and McAuliffe.
Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)
Background: The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) conducts hearings for certain offenders under its jurisdiction in order to determine whether it is appropriate for the offender to be released from prison or transferred into community custody.
The Clemency and Pardons Board (CPB) receives petitions for commutation of sentences and pardons, conducts public hearings on such petitions, and makes recommendations to the Governor.
A victim of a crime committed by an offender under the jurisdiction of the ISRB must be provided with the opportunity to provide oral, video, written, or in-person testimony at a hearing which may result in the release of the offender.
A victim or survivor of a victim of a crime which is the subject of a petition before the CPB must be provided with the opportunity to present a statement to the CPB in person, via audio or videotape, in writing, or by representation.
Summary of Bill: This bill reorganizes statutes granting victims of crime or survivors of victims the right to make statements before the ISRB and the CPB. Witnesses of crime are recognized as having the right to make statements before the ISRB. An intent section is added to the law.
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: The rights of victims before the ISRB should have been included in the victim rights' statute from the beginning. The bill will not change practice. The right to give a statement is an important service for crime victims, which helps many achieve a greater feeling of closure and personal security.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jeri Costa, ISRB; Dave Johnson, Crime Victims' Association; Scott Stubberfield, Leslie Owen, citizens.