SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5547

BYSenators Smith and West

Regarding payment of jail processing costs by criminal defendants.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5547 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Kreidler, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Kris Zabriskie (786-7439)

                  February 28, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 23, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Persons convicted of a crime are not liable for expenses that the counties and cities incur in processing them into and out of jail.  Cities and counties bear the cost. 

SUMMARY:

Convicted offenders must pay their jail processing costs when the court finds that they are capable or will be capable of paying costs.  The court must consider the financial resources of the defendant and the nature of the burden that payment of costs may impose.  The money collected reimburses the city or county for costs incurred in processing the defendant.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

A technical amendment is incorporated into several sections of the bill to insure that the cities and counties retain the money they collect for jail processing costs.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Smith, prime sponsor (pro); Robert L. Songi, Clark County Sheriff's Department (pro)