SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5235

                    As of February 8, 1999

Title:  An act relating to sex offender examinations and treatment.

Brief Description:  Prescribing requirements for sex offender examinations and treatment.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Hargrove, Horn, Haugen, Zarelli, Kohl‑Welles, Thibaudeau, Stevens, Kline, Gardner, McCaslin, Franklin, Roach, Oke, Winsley, Costa and Benton; by request of Department of Corrections.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  2/9/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Fara Daun (786-7459)

Background:  The Department of Corrections (DOC) has the authority to order sex offenders to receive sex offender examination and treatment as a condition of community placement or community custody.  Current law does not place requirements on the certification of treatment providers.

Summary of Bill:  When DOC orders a sex offender to participate in examinations and treatment as a condition of community placement or community custody, the examinations and treatment must be conducted by a provider certified by the Department of Health (DOH).

There are three exceptions to the certification requirement: provider certification is not required if the offender has already moved to another state for reasons unrelated to provider certification; if there is no certified treatment provider within a reasonable geographic distance of the offender's home; or if the evaluation and treatment plan comply with DOH rules.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.