SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6499

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Human Services & Corrections, February 7, 2002

Title:  An act relating to supervision of offenders.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to supervision of offenders.

Sponsors:  Senators Kline, Hargrove, Costa, Long, Regala, Winsley and Kohl‑Welles; by request of Department of Corrections.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  1/24/02, 2/7/02 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6499 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Staff:  Tony Rugel (786‑7754)

Background:  In order to implement the Governor's budget, the Department of Corrections (DOC) was  directed to effect cost saving measures.  A portion of the DOC budget is allocated to the supervision of "low risk" offenders, as well as the collection and enforcement of legal financial obligations.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Department of Corrections (DOC) is authorized to complete risk assessments of offenders.  If an offender is classified at the lowest risk level, DOC can eliminate or terminate any term of community custody or community supervision.  The liability standard for risk classification is set at gross negligence.

DOC is responsible for the collection or enforcement of offender's legal financial obligations while under the supervision of the department.

DOC is given authority to enter into contracts with governmental agencies, as well as private organizations, for the management and operation of work release programs.  Any work release programs in existence are operated by private organizations.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  When the Department of Corrections assesses someone as a low risk offender, the liability level has been changed from intentional misconduct to gross negligence.

The department is required to supervise the payment of restitution while an offender is on supervision.

Community corrections officers are not obligated to arrest an offender for law violations, etc., if the offender is not under the supervision of the department.

The department is relieved of supervision responsibilities for misdemeanants if they are placed on supervision by a superior court.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 21, 2002

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect on July 1, 2002.

Testimony For:  There is wide support for the bill but would like minor striking amendments and provisions that would add DOSA and misdemeanants.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Joseph D. Lehman, Dept. of Corrections (pro).