SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5119

BYSenators Saling, Owen, Newhouse, Johnson, Deccio, Stratton, Nelson, Lee and Rasmussen

Authorizing the state to collect from prisoners the cost of their care and maintenance.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 16, 1987; January 21, 1988

Senate Staff:Dee Knapp (786-7452)

AS OF JANUARY 20, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Prison inmates are not currently obligated to reimburse the state for the costs related to their care and maintenance while they are incarcerated.  They are required to pay for parole and probation supervision costs.  Inmates are also required to pay room and board costs if they are employed in certain institutional industries programs and when they are in the work release program.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Corrections is authorized to collect reimbursement from prisoners for the cost of care and maintenance expended on them during their incarceration.  The Secretary of the Department of Corrections is authorized to investigate the financial resources of each inmate and to set a reimbursement amount based on standards adopted under rulemaking procedures and on the prisoner's ability to pay.  Notice and appeal procedures are created regarding the initial finding of financial responsibility and regarding subsequent modifications.  A final finding becomes a civil judgment of the superior court.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      available