HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

HB 2457

Brief Description:  Narrowing reasons for escorted leave by prisoners.

Sponsors:  Representatives Cairnes and Ballasiotes.

Hearing:  January 25, 2000

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

BACKGROUND:

The superintendent of any Washington prison, may subject to the approval of the secretary of the Department of Corrections, grant an escorted leave of absence to an inmate confined in a state correctional facility.

Anytime an inmate is granted an escorted leave of absence, prior to his or her leave, the Department of Corrections must notify the county or city law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the area of the inmate=s destination. 

Unless the inmate and his or her immediate family is indigent, the department may require that the inmate (or his or her immediate family) reimburse the state for the actual costs incurred arising from the granted leave of absence.

Legitimate leave of absence includes the following:

C  To go to the bedside of the inmate's wife, husband, child, mother, or father, or   other member of the inmate's immediate family who is seriously ill;

C  To attend the funeral of the inmate's wife, husband, child, mother, or father, or other member of the inmate's immediate family;

C  To participate in athletic contests;

C  To perform work in connection with the industrial, educational, or agricultural programs of the department;

C  To receive necessary medical or dental care which is not available in the

institution; and

CFor nonviolent offenders, to participate as a volunteer in community service work projects which are approved by the superintendent.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

A leave of absence to participate in athletic contests is eliminated from the list of escorted leaves of absence that the Department of Corrections may approve for an inmate.

FISCAL NOTE:  Received on January 25, 2000.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of a session in which bill is passed.