Background:

Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce (Department) is an executive branch agency responsible for enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. Among its other statutory duties, the Department administers a diverse portfolio of programs as well as several state boards and commissions.

Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) is the Legislature's performance auditor. The JLARC conducts performance audits, program evaluations, sunset reviews, and other analyses at the direction of the Legislature.

Washington State Institute for Public Policy. The Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) carries out nonpartisan research at the direction of the Legislature. Fiscal and administrative services for the WSIPP are provided by The Evergreen State College.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

The Washington Statewide Reentry Council (Council) is created for the purpose of promoting successful reentry of offenders after incarceration. The Council is located within the Department of Commerce (Department).

Membership. The Council is comprised of 13 members appointed by the Governor with representatives of the following:

the Department of Corrections;
the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA);
a statewide organization representing community and technical colleges;
a statewide organization representing law enforcement interests;
a statewide organization representing the interests of crime victims;
a statewide organization representing prosecutors;
a statewide organization representing public defenders;
a statewide or local organization representing businesses and employers;
housing providers;
faith-based organizations or communities;
two persons with experience reentering the community after incarceration; and
two other community leaders.

When making appointments, the Governor must consider certain factors contained in the bill. One membership position is reserved for a person with a background in tribal affairs. Initial appointees serve staggered terms of four, three, and two years. Subsequent appointments are for two-year terms. The Council must elect co-chairs from among its membership.

Executive Director. The Council must select an executive director to administrate the business of the Council. Employment of the executive director is for a term of three years, which may be extended by the Council. The executive director is located in and paid by the Department.

Powers and Responsibilities. The Council is empowered to:

advise the Legislature and the Governor on issues relating to reentry and reintegration of offenders;
review, study, and make policy and funding recommendations on issues directly and indirectly related to reentry and reintegration of offenders in Washington, including, but not limited to: correctional programming and other issues in state and local correctional facilities; housing; employment; education; treatment; and other issues contributing to recidivism;
apply for, receive, use, and leverage public and private grants as well as specifically appropriated funds to establish, manage, and promote initiatives and programs related to successful reentry and reintegration of offenders;
to contract for services in order to carry out initiatives and programs;
create committees and subcommittees; and
create and consult with advisory groups comprised of nonmembers.

The Council must solicit input and participation from stakeholders interested in reducing recidivism, promoting public safety, and improving community conditions for people reentering the community from incarceration. The Council must consult: the two largest caucuses in the House of Representatives; the two largest caucuses in the Senate; the Governor; local governments; educators; mental health and substance abuse providers; behavioral health organizations; managed care organizations; city and county jails; the Department of Corrections; specialty courts; persons with expertise in evidence-based and research-based reentry practices; and persons with criminal histories and their families.

The Council must meet at least four times each year. The Council must submit to the Governor and appropriate committees of the Legislature a preliminary report no later than December 1, 2016, and a full report every two years thereafter.

Performance Audit. The JLARC must conduct a performance audit of the Council every six years, with the first audit to be completed by November 1, 2022.

Study. The WSIPP must conduct a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of programs aimed at assisting offenders with reentering the community after incarceration. The study must include a review and update of the literature on reentry programs in Washington and across the country. The WSIPP must report on the types of programs demonstrated to be effective in reducing recidivism among the general offender population. The WSIPP must report results to the Governor, the appropriate committees of the Legislature, and the Council no later than June 1, 2017.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Incarceration trends are troubling. More than 18,000 persons are incarcerated in Washington. More than 95 percent will be released into the community. A disproportionate percentage of incarcerated persons are people of color. On a national level, one in three African-American men may be incarcerated during their lifetimes. Most will never break free of the cycle of incarceration and poverty. After being released from prison, people face employment discrimination, housing discrimination, and other social and economic barriers extending far beyond the boundaries of the criminal justice system. This is a human rights issue that affects every one of us.

Prison is another world, and reentering society can be overwhelming and difficult. A person reentering society can feel enormous guilt and shame, and it can be difficult to view yourself as anyone other than a criminal. Many people believe that their lives are over after being convicted of a crime. Convictions should not define people for a lifetime. Good people make mistakes, and society should give them a real chance to become productive members of their communities.

A Council would bring together community voices with a structured leadership aimed at creating accountability and improving the functionality of the system. The Council can facilitate a coordinated effort at improving reentry by involving various organizations, community groups, and leaders. The Council can focus on improving outcomes for persons reentering communities after being released from incarceration. The Council should fill the gaps in our current system. People need support. The community does not want to set people up to fail. Several states have similar task forces or councils, Washington should follow suit.

The bill should be amended to include a representative of the JRA. Reentry and reintegration issues are just as critical to juveniles as adults. Their voices should be represented at the table.

(Opposed) None.