SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5261
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 January 20, 2015
Title: An act relating to community policing at western state hospital and the surrounding areas.
Brief Description: Concerning community policing at and around western state hospital.
Sponsors: Senators O'Ban, Conway, Darneille and Chase.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services, Mental Health & Housing: 1/22/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH & HOUSING |
Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)
Background: Western State Hospital is a state psychiatric hospital located in the city of Lakewood, Washington.
A proviso in the 2013-15 operating budget provides $231,000 of the state general fund for fiscal year 2014, and $231,000 of the state general fund for fiscal year 2015, for a community partnership between Western State Hospital and the city of Lakewood to support community policing efforts in the Lakewood community surrounding Western State Hospital. These amounts are for the salaries, benefits, supplies, and equipment to sustain one full-time investigator, one full-time police officer, and one full-time community service officer at the city of Lakewood.
A similar proviso has been incorporated in the operating budget each fiscal year starting in the 2007-09 biennium for fiscal year 2008.
Summary of Bill: Western State Hospital must enter into a contract with the city in which it is located for the provision of community policing services at the hospital and in the surrounding area. Community policing services includes, but is not limited to, a neighborhood patrol officer, community service officer, and detective or investigator to proactively address public safety issues at the hospital.
Beginning in fiscal biennium 2015-17, the amount of the contract must be no less than $462,000. In each subsequent biennium, the contract must increase by 1 percent, but may never exceed $750,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.