SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1271

BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Armstrong, Brooks, Braddock, May and P. King;by request of Department of Corrections)

Revising provisions relating to the department of corrections.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 18, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chairman; Kreidler, Niemi, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Dee Knapp (786-7452)

                  February 22, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 18, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Several sections of the law authorize the operation of the Department of Corrections.  Over the years, new institutions have been added to the system and each time a new section was written authorizing its operation.  As a result, many sections are redundant, confusing and do not reflect department facilities and practices.

The duties of the superintendent are not realistically reflected as they relate to all of the institutions.

Single cell bunking at the Washington Corrections Center is required.  The department says this is not possible at this time, particularly in the receptions center component.  It may be necessary in the future to have more than one reception center.

SUMMARY:

All references to institutions the Department of Corrections is authorized to operate are consolidated under one heading.  Many outdated and redundant sections are repealed including certain specific duties of the superintendents in each institution and the secretary of corrections.  These include the requirement that a department officer visit once a month; prohibition against employment of intemperate persons; control of revenues and fiscal reports to the auditor by the superintendent; specific mandates to provide for certain programs (legislative intent as to such programs is retained); the power to contract for the supply of water; the requirement to keep a register of prisoners; the requirement that subordinate personnel be under jurisdiction of the state personnel system; and the authority to establish industrial vocational and agricultural programs.

The superintendent's powers and duties are defined in one section as (1) custodian of inmate's property (liability for property is limited), (2) make, amend and repeal rules for the administration, supervision, discipline and security of the institution which includes the power to promulgate temporary rules in an emergency, (3) appoint associate superintendents and other duties that may be prescribed.

The requirement that the reception classification center be located at Shelton is removed.  The duty to appoint a staff and reception center board is also removed.

The requirement of single cell bunking at the reception center at Shelton is removed.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

An emergency clause is added.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Joe Lehman, Dept. of Corrections (pro)