SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6469

As Passed Senate, February 13, 2002

Title:  An act relating to information concerning mental health services provided to offenders.

Brief Description:  Authorizing release of mental health services information to department of corrections.

Sponsors:  Senators Long, Costa, Hargrove and Winsley; by request of Department of Corrections, Indeterminate Sentence Review Board and Department of Social and Health Services.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  1/24/02, 1/25/02 [DP].

Passed Senate:  2/13/02, 44-0.

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:  Fara Daun (786‑7459)

Background:  In 2000, the state enacted Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6487, which provided authority to permit information sharing between the Department of Corrections (DOC), the Department of Social and Health Services and mental health treatment providers.  The purpose was to plan for and provide offenders treatment, transition and supervision services and to better provide public safety.  In that act, DOC was authorized to provide information to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB).

Summary of Bill:  Information related to mental health services for persons subject to supervision by the ISRB is included in the information sharing provisions and must be released to DOC.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The legislation is a joint request of the DOC, ISRB, and DSHS and is needed.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  John Austin, Chair, ISRB (pro); Beth Anderson, DOC (pro).