SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5762

BYSenators Pullen and Talmadge

Changing provisions relating to where terms of confinement are served.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989

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

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; Nelson, Newhouse, Rasmussen, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7459)

                  February 28, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, FEBRUARY 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Under current law, sentences that include a term of confinement totaling more than one year are served in a state facility or institution.  Sentences of not more than one year are served in facilities operated by the county.  Lowering the threshold for sentencing persons to state institutions would help to relieve the overcrowding at the county jail level and assist in lessening the financial strain on county government.

SUMMARY:

Sentences of confinement totaling more than nine months must be served in a state facility or institution.  Sentences of not more than nine months of confinement must be served in a facility operated or licensed by the county.

The Sentencing Guidelines Commission must review the provisions of this act, and submit any recommended revisions of the standard sentence ranges to the Legislature by November 15, 1989.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 27, 1989

Effective Date:July 1, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified: Roxanne Park, Sentencing Guidelines Commission; Andrea Dahl, Association of Washington Cities (pro); Kurt Sharar, Washington State Association of Counties (pro); Mike Redman, Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (pro)