HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

HB 2498

Brief Description:  Revising sanctions for violating conditions of the juvenile offender basic training camp program.

Sponsors:  Representatives O'Brien and Ballasiotes.

Hearing:  January 26, 2000

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

BACKGROUND:

The juvenile offender basic training camp is a medium-security program for juvenile offenders.  It provides education, prevocational training, work-based learning, work ethic skills, conflict resolution, substance abuse and anger management counseling, and intensive physical training.  The program is currently managed by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) through a contract with a private provider.   DSHS is required to adopt rules for program operation, and for the continued supervision of offenders who have completed the program.  Juvenile offenders who have a disposition of not more than 65 weeks of confinement, and who are not violent offenders or sex offenders, are eligible for the program.  Offenders who are admitted into the program are required to spend 120 days of their disposition in the basic training camp.  Upon successful completion of the 120-day program, the offender serves the remainder of his or her disposition on intensive parole in the community.  If the offender violates a condition of his or her parole, the secretary of DSHS can order that the offender serve a term of confinement not to exceed 30 days.

DSHS is responsible for the licensing of agencies caring for children, expectant mothers, and developmentally disabled individuals.  Agency includes, generally, any person, corporation, association, or other facility that receives children, expectant mothers, or persons with developmental disabilities for control, care, or maintenance outside their own homes, or that arranges for the placement of these individuals for foster care or adoption.  It does not include blood relatives, or agencies operated by a unit of local, state, or the federal government.  The secretary is responsible for adopting minimum requirements for licensing applicable to each of the various categories of agencies to be licensed.  Licenses are generally issued for a period of three years.   

SUMMARY OF BILL: 

The secretary of DSHS may extend the 120-day period in the basic training camp program for up to 30 days if an offender needs additional time to complete the program.  If an offender who has completed the basic training camp program violates a condition of his or her parole, the secretary may return the offender to confinement for the remainder of the sentence range.

Maximum or medium security programs for juvenile offenders operated by DSHS, or under contract with DSHS, including the juvenile offender basic training camp program, are exempt from the licensing requirements applicable to agencies caring for children.

DSHS no longer must adopt rules for the operation of the program and the after-care component, but instead must develop standards for these purposes.

FISCAL NOTE:  Requested on January 19, 2000.

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