SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5460

BYSenate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Fleming and Vognild)

Establishing the state crime laboratory task force.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 11, 1987; February 12, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5460 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Halsan, Vice Chairman; McCaslin, Moore, Nelson.

Senate Staff:Lidia Mori (786-7461)

                  February 19, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 18, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The state crime lab is currently operated by the Washington State Patrol and is funded through the Washington State Patrol general fund.

There is some concern that, due to the state crime lab's use of outdated equipment, low quality analysis and substantial delays have occurred in providing information to prosecuting attorneys.  It has been suggested that a task force needs to be created to monitor and examine the current crime lab and submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.

SUMMARY:

A state crime lab task force is established consisting of three sheriffs or police chiefs, three county prosecuting attorneys, two members of the Senate, who shall not be members of the same political party and two members of the House of Representatives who shall not be members of the same political party.  The Chief of the Washington State Patrol or the designee of the Chief of the WSP will also be a member.

The members of the state crime lab task force will be reimbursed for travel expenses pursuant to RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.  Legislative members will be reimbursed according to RCW 44.04.120.

It will review the current operation and management of the state crime lab and submit a report, with recommendations, to the Governor and the Legislature by January 1, 1988.  At that time the task force will cease to exist.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Appointments by Legislature Required:     Two Senators appointed by President of Senate; two Representatives appointed by Speaker of the House.

Senate Committee - Testified: Michael Redman, Washington State Association of Prosecuting Attorneys; George Tellevik, Chief of the Washington State Patrol; Larry Erickson, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs