SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1613

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 April 2, 2013

Title: An act relating to the criminal justice training commission firing range maintenance account.

Brief Description: Establishing the criminal justice training commission firing range maintenance account.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Hudgins, Parker, Maxwell, Hayes, Moscoso, Ryu and Stanford; by request of Criminal Justice Training Commission).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/11/13, 96-2.

Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 4/01/13.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff: Jessica Stevenson (786-7465)

Background: The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (Commission) provides programs and standards for the training of criminal justice personnel. The Commission can own, establish, and operate training facilities necessary to conduct training programs. The Commission has a firing range for its firearms training program. In 2011, the range was opened for outside-agency rental as a method of generating revenue.

The Commission, or the executive director acting on its behalf, is authorized to accept, receive, disburse, and administer grants or other funds or gifts from any source, including private individuals or agencies, the federal government, and other public agencies, for purposes related to training criminal justice personnel.

Summary of Bill: The criminal justice training commission firing range maintenance account is created in the custody of the state Treasurer. All money generated by the rental of the Commission's firing range facilities, property, and equipment must be deposited into the account. The money may be from federal, state, local, or private sources.

The money in the account may be used only for the rental, maintenance, or development of the Commission's firing range facilities, property, and equipment.

Only the executive director, acting on behalf of the Commission, or the executive director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account.

The account is subject to allotment procedures under the state Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System chapter, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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: There is a slight technical difference between the Senate bill and the House bill that allows the account to be used for operations as well, not just maintenance. The changed language gives the Commission more flexibility to use the money for more rentals. Firing ranges are getting more expensive. There are many agencies in the area looking for a firing range to use. The bill will benefit agencies by opening the firing range up for rental and will benefit the Commission since the rental money will be used to repair the firing range.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Hudgins, prime sponsor; Sue Rahr, Criminal Justice Training Commission; Don Pierce, Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Assn.