HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5494
As Reported By House Committee On:
Human Services
Title: An act relating to at-risk juvenile sex offenders.
Brief Description: Including certain juveniles who are the subject of proceedings under chapter 13.34 RCW in the definition of "at‑risk juvenile sex offenders".
Sponsors: Senators Talmadge and Deccio; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief History:
Reported by House Committee on:
Human Services, March 25, 1993, DP.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Riley, Vice Chair; Cooke, Ranking Minority Member; Talcott, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Karahalios; Lisk; Padden; Patterson; and Thibaudeau.
Staff: David Knutson (786-7146).
Background: In 1990, the Legislature passed a comprehensive plan for dealing with sex offenders, known as the Community Protection Act of 1990. The act included provisions dealing with adult and juvenile criminal sentencing, civil commitment procedures and sex offender treatment programs.
A special sex offender disposition alternative was created for first time juvenile sex offenders who had not committed a serious violent offense. Funding was also provided for at-risk juvenile sex offenders who were in the care and custody of the state. It has been suggested that the at-risk program should be made available to juvenile sex offenders who are the subject of a dependency action and still reside at home.
Summary of Bill: The "at-risk juvenile sex offender" definition includes juveniles who are the subject of a dependency proceeding but are not in the care and custody of the state.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: The Department of Social and Health Services needs greater flexibility in deciding which juveniles to serve with limited public funds.
Testimony Against: None.
Witnesses: Bonnie Jacques, Department of Social and Health Services.