SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5516

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:

Law & Justice, February 21, 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: Senators Keiser and Fain; by request of Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 2/18/13, 2/21/13 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Padden, Chair; Carrell, Vice Chair; Kline, Ranking Member; Darneille, Kohl-Welles, Pearson and Roach.

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 must be used only for the maintenance and 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: The firing range is in great need of repair, updating, and maintenance. Firing ranges are expensive to maintain. Individuals will rent the firing range once it is in better condition. The Commission is reluctant to rent the firing range unless there is funding to pay for the wear and tear that will result from increased use. The budget has not provided money for maintaining the firing range.

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