SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6778

BYSenators Craswell, Rasmussen, Nelson, Owen, McCaslin, McDonald, Patrick, Bailey, Lee and Metcalf

Prohibiting inmates from receiving sexually explicit mail.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 30, 1990

Senate Staff:Ben Barnes (786-7465)

AS OF JANUARY 29, 1990

BACKGROUND:

It is the current policy of the Department of Corrections to reject incoming publications which may be detrimental to institutional security or the safety of inmates or staff.

There is concern regarding the effectiveness of existing Department of Corrections procedures in limiting inmate access to pornographic publications.  It is therefore recommended that a statute be enacted to prohibit inmates from receiving any mail that contains sexually explicit material.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Corrections is required to prohibit inmates from receiving mail that contains sexually explicit material as defined in RCW 9.68.130.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested January 24, 1990

Effective Date:July 1, 1990