FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1535

                     Synopsis as Enacted

                         C 171 L 93

Brief Description:  Authorizing counties to charge a fee for juvenile court diversion services.

By Representatives Johanson, Padden, Horn, Wood, Cothern, Finkbeiner, R. Meyers, H. Myers, J. Kohl, Brown, Shin, Eide, Zellinsky, Thibaudeau, Leonard, Long, Rayburn, Basich and L. Johnson.

House Committee on Human Services

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Background:  Currently there is no authority for the juvenile courts to establish fees for juvenile diversion services. Diversion results from an agreement between the juvenile and the diversion unit whereby the juvenile accused of an offense agrees to fulfill certain conditions in lieu of prosecution. Diversion services may include community service, restitution, counseling, educational or informational sessions and fines.

Summary:  County legislative authorities may authorize juvenile court administrators to establish fees to cover the costs of administration and operation of juvenile diversion services.

Parents or guardians are liable for the costs of these services based on their ability to pay, and administrators are required to develop a fair and equitable payment schedule. However, no diversion services may be denied because of an inability to pay.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  95 0

Senate 40 4

Effective:  July 25, 1993