SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2380

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Human Services & Corrections, February 27, 2002

Title:  An act relating to segregation of children offenders from adult offenders.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to segregation of children offenders from adult offenders.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dickerson, Eickmeyer, O'Brien, Kenney, Rockefeller, Ruderman, Kagi, Darneille, Tokuda, Chase, Lovick and Haigh.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  2/20/02, 2/27/02 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Costa, Vice Chair; Carlson, Franklin, Hewitt, Kastama, Kohl‑Welles, Long and Stevens.

Staff:  Tony Rugel (786‑7754)

Background:  Prior to 1997, juveniles convicted as adults (youthful offenders) were not separated from adults in the correctional facility.  In 1997, the Legislature amended the statute to require that offenders under the age of 18 who are convicted as adults and committed to an adult correctional facility must be separated from offenders 18 years and older, until he or she reaches the age 18.

Summary of Bill:  A youthful offender in an adult correctional facility who has reached the age of 18 may remain in the separate housing unit for offenders under 18 if the secretary of Department of Corrections determines that:  (a) the offender's needs and correctional goals could continue to be better met by the programs and housing environment that is separate from offenders 18 years and older; and (b) the programs or housing environment for offenders under the age of 18 will not be substantially affected by the offender's continued placement.

The offender may remain placed in the housing unit until such time the secretary determines that the offender's needs and correctional goals are no longer better met in that environment, but in no case past the offender's 21 birthday.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  The bill will allow juveniles to continue in educational programs which have proven to be helpful and will not suddenly be removed to an environment that provides little support solely because the offender has turned 18.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  George Yeannakis, WA Defenders Assoc. (pro); Eldon Vail, DOC (pro).