5539 AMH PS HARO 407

SB 5539 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Public Safety

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 9.94A RCW to read as follows:

    (1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this purpose, a pilot program is established for the supervision of offenders convicted of felonies relating to the theft or taking of a motor vehicle.

    (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 9.94A.701, a court may sentence an offender to community custody for a term of one year following the term of confinement when the court sentences the person to the custody of the department for theft of a motor vehicle (RCW 9A.56.065), possession of a stolen vehicle (RCW 9A.56.068), taking a motor vehicle without permission in the first degree (RCW 9A.56.070), or taking a motor vehicle without permission in the second degree (RCW 9A.56.075).

    (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 9.94A.501, the department shall supervise any offender sentenced to community custody pursuant to subsection (2) of this section.

    (4) No later than November 1, 2024, the department must submit a report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature analyzing the effectiveness of supervision in reducing recidivism among offenders committing felonies relating to the theft or taking of a motor vehicle. The department shall consult with the Washington state institute for public policy in guiding its data tracking efforts and preparing the report.

    (5) This section expires June 30, 2025."

    Correct the title.

EFFECT:   Makes the pilot apply on a statewide basis, rather than only in Spokane County. Specifies that the term of community custody ordered under the pilot follows the underlying term of confinement for the offense. Removes crimes against property with a prior motor vehicle conviction from the offenses eligible for participation in the pilot. Removes the June 30, 2021, limitation on entering a sentence under the pilot, and extends the expiration date to June 30, 2025. Moves the reporting date from November 1, 2022 to November 1, 2024.

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