SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6327

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 Passed Senate, March 12, 2014

Title: An act relating to expanding the categories of offenses eligible for the parenting program with the department of corrections.

Brief Description: Expanding the categories of offenses eligible for the parenting program with the department of corrections.

Sponsors: Senators Darneille and Chase.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/03/14, 2/05/14 [DP, w/oRec].

Passed Senate: 3/12/14, 36-13.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators O'Ban, Chair; Pearson, Vice Chair; Darneille, Ranking Member; Hargrove.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senator Padden.

Staff: Joan Miller (786-7784)

Background: Under certain circumstances, a court may waive imposition of an offender's sentence within the standard sentencing range and instead order an alternative sentence. In 2010 the Legislature created the Parenting Sentencing Alternative, which allows an offender to remain in the community to parent a child. As part of this alternative, the court also orders 12 months of community custody.

An offender is eligible for the Parenting Sentencing Alternative if:

Violent offense means:

A serious violent offense is a subcategory of violent offense and means:

Summary of Bill: An offender is not eligible for the Parenting Sentencing Alternative if the offender has a prior or current conviction for a felony that is a serious violent offense. An offender with a prior or current conviction for a violent offense, however, may be eligible for the alternative if the other statutory requirements are met.

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: I will refer the Committee to the report the Department of Corrections (DOC) did on the Parenting Sentencing Alternative. We are very proud of this program. We believe that this bill widens the eligibility standard, not to the extent that it would encompass a large amount of people, but it would help a few individuals who would really benefit from this program.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Anmarie Aylward, DOC.