SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5321

BYSenators West, Smith, Newhouse and Matson

Regarding prison sentences.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1989

Senate Staff:Kris Zabriskie (786-7439)

AS OF FEBRUARY 22, 1989

BACKGROUND:

A criminal offender who receives a term of confinement of over a year serves that sentence in an institution operated or utilized under contract by the state.  Offenders receiving a term of one year or less serve their sentences in a facility operated or utilized by the county.

Some of the counties in the state are experiencing serious jail overcrowding.  The state facilities are not overcrowded.  In order to reduce jail overcrowding, the legislators are recommending that offenders receiving a term of more than six months serve their sentences in state facilities.

SUMMARY:

An offender receiving a term of confinement of more than six months for a felony is committed to the custody of the Department of Corrections and serves his or her sentence in a state rather than county facility.  A county using a state facility for partial confinement of a person who is sentenced to not more than six months must reimburse the state for the use of the facility.

A person sentenced for a felony to a term of not more than six months, who is currently committed or has previously been committed to a state facility for a felony conviction, must serve all terms of confinement, including a sentence of less than six months in a state facility. 

The Sentencing Guidelines Commission must review this act and submit any recommended revisions in the standard sentencing ranges to the Legislature by November 15, 1989.  This act declares an emergency and takes effect immediately.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 20, 1989

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.