SENATE BILL REPORT

2SHB 756

BYHouse Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Representatives Niemi, Brooks, Braddock, P. King, R. King, Scott, Holm and Sutherland; by request of Department of Corrections)

Establishing the community custody program.

House Committe on Health Care

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 30, 1987

Senate Staff:Carolyn Mayer (786-7418)

AS OF MARCH 27, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Current law does not provide for the inclusion of post release supervision in sentencing convicted offenders.  The Department of Corrections has identified sex offenders and serious violent offenders as two groups presenting a serious danger to the public upon release from prison.

SUMMARY:

Community custody is a Department of Corrections program designed to ensure that sex offenders and serious violent offenders are supervised when released from confinement.  The Department may order community custody up to the amount of time equal to the offender's early "good time" release date or one year, whichever is less.

Community custody is separate and distinct from community supervision.  An offender sentenced to community custody is an "inmate," so that any violations of community custody are handled administratively by the Department.

Community custody inmates detained in local facilities are the financial responsibility of the Department of Corrections.  Community corrections officers and volunteers are not liable for civil damages resulting from their program activities unless their conduct constitutes gross negligence or is wilful or wanton misconduct.

Fiscal Note:    available