BILL REQ. #:  S-3449.2 

Read first time 01/15/10.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to civil judgments for assault; amending RCW 72.09.015, 72.09.111, and 72.09.480; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 72.09.015 and 2009 c 521 s 165 are each amended to read as follows:
     The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "Adult basic education" means education or instruction designed to achieve general competence of skills in reading, writing, and oral communication, including English as a second language and preparation and testing services for obtaining a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma.
     (2) "Base level of correctional services" means the minimum level of field services the department of corrections is required by statute to provide for the supervision and monitoring of offenders.
     (3) "Civil judgment for assault" means a civil judgment for monetary damages awarded to a correctional officer or department employee entered by a court of competent jurisdiction against an inmate that is based on, or arises from, injury to the correctional officer or department employee caused by the inmate while the correctional officer or department employee was acting in the course and scope of his or her employment.
     (4) "Community custody" has the same meaning as that provided in RCW 9.94A.030 and also includes community placement and community supervision as defined in RCW 9.94B.020.
     (((4))) (5) "Contraband" means any object or communication the secretary determines shall not be allowed to be: (a) Brought into; (b) possessed while on the grounds of; or (c) sent from any institution under the control of the secretary.
     (((5))) (6) "County" means a county or combination of counties.
     (((6))) (7) "Department" means the department of corrections.
     (((7))) (8) "Earned early release" means earned release as authorized by RCW 9.94A.728.
     (((8))) (9) "Evidence-based" means a program or practice that has had multiple-site random controlled trials across heterogeneous populations demonstrating that the program or practice is effective in reducing recidivism for the population.
     (((9))) (10) "Extended family visit" means an authorized visit between an inmate and a member of his or her immediate family that occurs in a private visiting unit located at the correctional facility where the inmate is confined.
     (((10))) (11) "Good conduct" means compliance with department rules and policies.
     (((11))) (12) "Good performance" means successful completion of a program required by the department, including an education, work, or other program.
     (((12))) (13) "Immediate family" means the inmate's children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, great grandparents, siblings, and a person legally married to or in a state registered domestic partnership with an inmate. "Immediate family" does not include an inmate adopted by another inmate or the immediate family of the adopted or adopting inmate.
     (((13))) (14) "Indigent inmate," "indigent," and "indigency" mean an inmate who has less than a ten-dollar balance of disposable income in his or her institutional account on the day a request is made to utilize funds and during the thirty days previous to the request.
     (((14))) (15) "Individual reentry plan" means the plan to prepare an offender for release into the community. It should be developed collaboratively between the department and the offender and based on an assessment of the offender using a standardized and comprehensive tool to identify the offender's risks and needs. The individual reentry plan describes actions that should occur to prepare individual offenders for release from prison or jail, specifies the supervision and services they will experience in the community, and describes an offender's eventual discharge to aftercare upon successful completion of supervision. An individual reentry plan is updated throughout the period of an offender's incarceration and supervision to be relevant to the offender's current needs and risks.
     (((15))) (16) "Inmate" means a person committed to the custody of the department, including but not limited to persons residing in a correctional institution or facility and persons released from such facility on furlough, work release, or community custody, and persons received from another state, state agency, county, or federal jurisdiction.
     (((16))) (17) "Privilege" means any goods or services, education or work programs, or earned early release days, the receipt of which are directly linked to an inmate's (a) good conduct; and (b) good performance. Privileges do not include any goods or services the department is required to provide under the state or federal Constitution or under state or federal law.
     (((17))) (18) "Promising practice" means a practice that presents, based on preliminary information, potential for becoming a research-based or consensus-based practice.
     (((18))) (19) "Research-based" means a program or practice that has some research demonstrating effectiveness, but that does not yet meet the standard of evidence-based practices.
     (((19))) (20) "Secretary" means the secretary of corrections or his or her designee.
     (((20))) (21) "Significant expansion" includes any expansion into a new product line or service to the class I business that results from an increase in benefits provided by the department, including a decrease in labor costs, rent, or utility rates (for water, sewer, electricity, and disposal), an increase in work program space, tax advantages, or other overhead costs.
     (((21))) (22) "Superintendent" means the superintendent of a correctional facility under the jurisdiction of the Washington state department of corrections, or his or her designee.
     (((22))) (23) "Unfair competition" means any net competitive advantage that a business may acquire as a result of a correctional industries contract, including labor costs, rent, tax advantages, utility rates (water, sewer, electricity, and disposal), and other overhead costs. To determine net competitive advantage, the correctional industries board shall review and quantify any expenses unique to operating a for-profit business inside a prison.
     (((23))) (24) "Vocational training" or "vocational education" means "vocational education" as defined in RCW 72.62.020.
     (((24))) (25) "Washington business" means an in-state manufacturer or service provider subject to chapter 82.04 RCW existing on June 10, 2004.
     (((25))) (26) "Work programs" means all classes of correctional industries jobs authorized under RCW 72.09.100.

Sec. 2   RCW 72.09.111 and 2009 c 479 s 60 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The secretary shall deduct taxes and legal financial obligations from the gross wages, gratuities, or workers' compensation benefits payable directly to the inmate under chapter 51.32 RCW, of each inmate working in correctional industries work programs, or otherwise receiving such wages, gratuities, or benefits. The secretary shall also deduct child support payments from the gratuities of each inmate working in class II through class IV correctional industries work programs. The secretary shall develop a formula for the distribution of offender wages, gratuities, and benefits. The formula shall not reduce the inmate account below the indigency level, as defined in RCW 72.09.015.
     (a) The formula shall include the following minimum deductions from class I gross wages and from all others earning at least minimum wage:
     (i) Five percent to the state general fund;
     (ii) Ten percent to a department personal inmate savings account;
     (iii) Twenty percent to the department to contribute to the cost of incarceration; ((and))
     (iv) Twenty percent for payment of legal financial obligations for all inmates who have legal financial obligations owing in any Washington state superior court; and
     (v) Twenty percent for payment of any civil judgment for assault for inmates who are subject to a civil judgment for assault in any Washington state court or federal court.
     (b) The formula shall include the following minimum deductions from class II gross gratuities:
     (i) Five percent to the state general fund;
     (ii) Ten percent to a department personal inmate savings account;
     (iii) Fifteen percent to the department to contribute to the cost of incarceration;
     (iv) Twenty percent for payment of legal financial obligations for all inmates who have legal financial obligations owing in any Washington state superior court; ((and))
     (v) Fifteen percent for any child support owed under a support order; and
     (vi) Fifteen percent for payment of any civil judgment for assault for inmates who are subject to a civil judgment for assault in any Washington state court or federal court.
     (c) The formula shall include the following minimum deductions from any workers' compensation benefits paid pursuant to RCW 51.32.080:
     (i) Five percent to the state general fund;
     (ii) Ten percent to a department personal inmate savings account;
     (iii) Twenty percent to the department to contribute to the cost of incarceration; and
     (iv) An amount equal to any legal financial obligations owed by the inmate established by an order of any Washington state superior court up to the total amount of the award.
     (d) The formula shall include the following minimum deductions from class III gratuities:
     (i) Five percent for the state general fund; ((and))
     (ii) Fifteen percent for any child support owed under a support order; and
     (iii) Fifteen percent for payment of any civil judgment for assault for inmates who are subject to a civil judgment for assault in any Washington state court or federal court.
     (e) The formula shall include the following minimum deduction from class IV gross gratuities:
     (i) Five percent to the department to contribute to the cost of incarceration; ((and))
     (ii) Fifteen percent for any child support owed under a support order; and
     (iii) Fifteen percent for payment of any civil judgment for assault for inmates who are subject to a civil judgment for assault in any Washington state court or federal court.
     (2) Any person sentenced to life imprisonment without possibility of release or parole under chapter 10.95 RCW or sentenced to death shall be exempt from the requirement under subsection (1)(a)(ii), (b)(ii), or (c)(ii).
     (3)(a) The department personal inmate savings account, together with any accrued interest, shall only be available to an inmate at the following times:
     (i) The time of his or her release from confinement;
     (ii) Prior to his or her release from confinement in order to secure approved housing; or
     (iii) When the secretary determines that an emergency exists for the inmate.
     (b) If funds are made available pursuant to (a)(ii) or (iii) of this subsection, the funds shall be made available to the inmate in an amount determined by the secretary.
     (c) The management of classes I, II, and IV correctional industries may establish an incentive payment for offender workers based on productivity criteria. This incentive shall be paid separately from the hourly wage/gratuity rate and shall not be subject to the specified deduction for cost of incarceration.
     (4)(a) Subject to availability of funds for the correctional industries program, the expansion of inmate employment in class I and class II correctional industries shall be implemented according to the following schedule:
     (i) Not later than June 30, 2005, the secretary shall achieve a net increase of at least two hundred in the number of inmates employed in class I or class II correctional industries work programs above the number so employed on June 30, 2003;
     (ii) Not later than June 30, 2006, the secretary shall achieve a net increase of at least four hundred in the number of inmates employed in class I or class II correctional industries work programs above the number so employed on June 30, 2003;
     (iii) Not later than June 30, 2007, the secretary shall achieve a net increase of at least six hundred in the number of inmates employed in class I or class II correctional industries work programs above the number so employed on June 30, 2003;
     (iv) Not later than June 30, 2008, the secretary shall achieve a net increase of at least nine hundred in the number of inmates employed in class I or class II correctional industries work programs above the number so employed on June 30, 2003;
     (v) Not later than June 30, 2009, the secretary shall achieve a net increase of at least one thousand two hundred in the number of inmates employed in class I or class II correctional industries work programs above the number so employed on June 30, 2003;
     (vi) Not later than June 30, 2010, the secretary shall achieve a net increase of at least one thousand five hundred in the number of inmates employed in class I or class II correctional industries work programs above the number so employed on June 30, 2003.
     (b) Failure to comply with the schedule in this subsection does not create a private right of action.
     (5) In the event that the offender worker's wages, gratuity, or workers' compensation benefit is subject to garnishment for support enforcement, the state general fund, savings, and cost of incarceration deductions shall be calculated on the net wages after taxes, legal financial obligations, and garnishment.
     (6) The department shall explore other methods of recovering a portion of the cost of the inmate's incarceration and for encouraging participation in work programs, including development of incentive programs that offer inmates benefits and amenities paid for only from wages earned while working in a correctional industries work program.
     (7) The department shall develop the necessary administrative structure to recover inmates' wages and keep records of the amount inmates pay for the costs of incarceration and amenities. All funds deducted from inmate wages under subsection (1) of this section for the purpose of contributions to the cost of incarceration shall be deposited in a dedicated fund with the department and shall be used only for the purpose of enhancing and maintaining correctional industries work programs.
     (8) It shall be in the discretion of the secretary to apportion the inmates between class I and class II depending on available contracts and resources.
     (9) Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the department of social and health services division of child support from taking collection action against an inmate's moneys, assets, or property pursuant to chapter 26.23, 74.20, or 74.20A RCW.

Sec. 3   RCW 72.09.480 and 2009 c 479 s 61 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply to this section.
     (a) "Cost of incarceration" means the cost of providing an inmate with shelter, food, clothing, transportation, supervision, and other services and supplies as may be necessary for the maintenance and support of the inmate while in the custody of the department, based on the average per inmate costs established by the department and the office of financial management.
     (b) "Minimum term of confinement" means the minimum amount of time an inmate will be confined in the custody of the department, considering the sentence imposed and adjusted for the total potential earned early release time available to the inmate.
     (c) "Program" means any series of courses or classes necessary to achieve a proficiency standard, certificate, or postsecondary degree.
     (2) When an inmate, except as provided in subsections (4) and (8) of this section, receives any funds in addition to his or her wages or gratuities, except settlements or awards resulting from legal action, the additional funds shall be subject to the following deductions and the priorities established in chapter 72.11 RCW:
     (a) Five percent to the state general fund;
     (b) Ten percent to a department personal inmate savings account;
     (c) Twenty percent for payment of legal financial obligations for all inmates who have legal financial obligations owing in any Washington state superior court;
     (d) Twenty percent for any child support owed under a support order; ((and))
     (e) Twenty percent to the department to contribute to the cost of incarceration; and
     (f) Twenty percent for payment of any civil judgment for assault for all inmates who are subject to a civil judgment for assault in any Washington state court or federal court.
     (3) When an inmate, except as provided in subsection (8) of this section, receives any funds from a settlement or award resulting from a legal action, the additional funds shall be subject to the deductions in RCW 72.09.111(1)(a) and the priorities established in chapter 72.11 RCW.
     (4) When an inmate who is subject to a child support order receives funds from an inheritance, the deduction required under subsection (2)(e) and (f) of this section shall only apply after the child support obligation has been paid in full.
     (5) The amount deducted from an inmate's funds under subsection (2) of this section shall not exceed the department's total cost of incarceration for the inmate incurred during the inmate's minimum or actual term of confinement, whichever is longer.
     (6)(a) The deductions required under subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to funds received by the department from an offender or from a third party on behalf of an offender for payment of education or vocational programs or postsecondary education degree programs as provided in RCW 72.09.460 and 72.09.465.
     (b) The deductions required under subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to funds received by the department from a third party, including but not limited to a nonprofit entity on behalf of the department's education, vocation, or postsecondary education degree programs.
     (7) The deductions required under subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to any money received by the department, on behalf of an inmate, from family or other outside sources for the payment of postage expenses. Money received under this subsection may only be used for the payment of postage expenses and may not be transferred to any other account or purpose. Money that remains unused in the inmate's postage fund at the time of release shall be subject to the deductions outlined in subsection (2) of this section.
     (8) When an inmate sentenced to life imprisonment without possibility of release or sentenced to death under chapter 10.95 RCW receives funds, deductions are required under subsection (2) of this section, with the exception of a personal inmate savings account under subsection (2)(b) of this section.
     (9) The secretary of the department of corrections, or his or her designee, may exempt an inmate from a personal inmate savings account under subsection (2)(b) of this section if the inmate's earliest release date is beyond the inmate's life expectancy.
     (10) The interest earned on an inmate savings account created as a result of the plan in section 4, chapter 325, Laws of 1999 shall be exempt from the mandatory deductions under this section and RCW 72.09.111.
     (11) Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the department of social and health services division of child support, the county clerk, or a restitution recipient from taking collection action against an inmate's moneys, assets, or property pursuant to chapter 9.94A, 26.23, 74.20, or 74.20A RCW including, but not limited to, the collection of moneys received by the inmate from settlements or awards resulting from legal action.