SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 2939

BYRepresentatives Braddock, Brooks, Morris, Jacobsen, Silver, Holland, Winsley and Baugher; by request of Department of Corrections

Removing population limits at certain correctional institutions.

House Committe on Health Care

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 22, 1990; February 23, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Nelson, Chairman; Hayner, Madsen, Newhouse, Niemi, Patrick, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Ben Barnes (786-7465)

                  February 23, 1990

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 26, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Gaspard, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Matson, Newhouse, Niemi, Saling, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Randy Hodgins (786-7715)

                  February 27, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, FEBRUARY 26, 1990

BACKGROUND:

There is currently a statutory limit on the number of inmates allowed to be housed at the state correctional facilities located at Monroe and Shelton.  This limit may only be exceeded by an emergency order of the Governor.  The forecasted growth in the inmate population however, has created an urgent need to consider a more effective utilization of these existing prison facilities.

SUMMARY:

The statutory provisions that establish inmate population limits at the state correctional facilities located at Monroe and Shelton are repealed.

The Department of Corrections is authorized to provide mitigation funds to Monroe and Shelton on an annual basis with appropriate adjustments for the addition of new beds and changes in the department's budget.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE LAW & JUSTICE AMENDMENT:

Technical and clarifying changes are made.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE WAYS & MEANS AMENDMENT:

Payment of mitigation funds is extended to double-bunking of correctional facilities at Monroe and Shelton.  The department is required to provide increased correctional staff at those institutions consistent with its existing custody staffing model.  Mitigation funds are provided to Snohomish County if the department exceeds the current inmate population limit at the Twin Rivers Corrections Center, and to the city and county of Walla Walla and the city of College Place as a result of the adverse impacts of the Washington State Penitentiary on those communities.  Payment of annual mitigation funds is made contingent upon funding in the state budget.

Senate Committee - Testified: LAW & JUSTICE:  Larry Kincheloe, Department of Corrections

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  Larry Kincheloe, Department of Corrections