FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1003

                         C 137 L 93

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Concerning judicial proceedings for involuntary commitment or detention.

By House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Riley and Wineberry).

House Committee on Local Government

Senate Committee on Health & Human Services

Background:  Any county may establish a county alcoholism and other drug addiction program.

The coordinator of such a program, who is also referred to as the designated chemical dependency specialist, may petition the superior court to order the involuntary commitment of any adult who appears to be incapacitated by alcohol or any juvenile who appears to be incapacitated by alcohol or other drug addiction.  The superior court holds a hearing on the matter and may order the involuntary commitment of such a person, if the requisite grounds for involuntary commitment have been met by clear, cogent, and convincing proof.

A person who is involuntarily committed to an approved treatment program is committed for a period of 60 days unless he or she is released sooner.  The person who is involuntarily committed must be released from the treatment program at the end of this 60-day period, unless prior to the end of this 60-day period the "program" files a petition with the superior court for the recommitment of the individual and the court orders the recommitment of the individual.  Presumably the recommitment would be for up to another 60-day period.

Summary:  The prosecuting attorney may, at the prosecutor's discretion, represent the designated chemical dependency specialist or treatment program in judicial proceedings for the involuntary commitment or recommitment of an individual.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  95 0

Senate 45 0

Effective:  July 25, 1993