SB 5011-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares an intent to improve the process of identifying, and providing additional mental health treatment for, persons:  (1) Determined to be dangerous to themselves or others as a result of a mental disorder or a combination of a mental disorder and chemical dependency or abuse; and

     (2) under, or being released from, confinement or partial confinement of the department of corrections.

     Does not create a presumption that any person subject to the provisions of this act is dangerous as a result of a mental disorder or chemical dependency or abuse.

     Intends that every person subject to the provisions of this act retain the amount of liberty consistent with his or her condition, behavior, and legal status and that any restraint of liberty be done solely on the basis of forensic and clinical practices and standards.

     Directs the Washington state institute for public policy, in conjunction with the University of Washington, to conduct an evaluation of this act to determine:  (1) Whether there is a reduction in criminal recidivism as a result of this act;

     (2) whether this act has resulted in: (a) increased treatment of, and services to, dangerous mentally ill offenders, including services at the department of corrections, and through other publicly funded services; (b) a reduction in repeated inpatient mental health treatment by the same offender; and (c) reduced length of stays at state hospitals;

     (3) whether this act improves delivery and effectiveness of the treatment and services, including mental health, drug/alcohol, case management, housing assistance, and other provided services;

     (4) whether services under this act should be expanded to include other classifications of offenders, such as:  Juveniles; felons not sentenced to confinement; misdemeanants; and felons in county jails.  Cost estimates for expansion of each classification shall be included;

     (5) the validity of the risk assessment tool utilized by the department of corrections to assess dangerousness of offenders;

     (6) increases in early medicaid enrollment and associated cost savings; and

     (7) any savings in bed spaces in the department of corrections as a result of this act.

     The evaluation shall be submitted to the governor and legislature by December 1, 2004.