SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6576

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Human Services & Corrections, February 7, 2002

Title:  An act relating to supervision of juvenile offenders.

Brief Description:  Transferring supervision responsibilities for released juvenile offenders to the sentencing court.

Sponsors:  Senator Hargrove.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  1/30/02, 2/7/02 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6576 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill 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:  In the past, counties have contracted with the state to provide parole services, including supervision, to juveniles being released from commitment in state facilities.  Many counties discovered that the funding under the contracts was insufficient to cover the rising costs and caseloads for supervision.  As a result, most counties have chosen not to renew their contracts and the state has stepped in and resumed these parole responsibilities.  Some counties now feel that so long as the funding is adequate they could provide a less expensive, more consistent program of supervision than the current state program.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  Counties can contract with the state to provide parole and supervision services for juvenile offenders being released from state commitment facilities.  Counties may choose to contract with adjoining counties to provide parole and supervision services.

Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA) parole standards are followed by those counties choosing to contract with the state to provide supervision service.  The state indemnifies the counties for the supervision services so long as the standards are followed and any wrongdoing does not rise to the level of gross negligence. The JRA can only change the standards after consulting with the counties.

The bill contains a null and void clause with a June 30, 2002, funding date. 

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  JRA parole standards will be followed by those counties choosing to contract with the state to provide supervision service. The state will indemnify the counties for the supervision services so long as the standards are followed and any wrongdoing does not rise to the level of gross negligence. The JRA can only change the standards after consulting with the counties.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 28, 2002.

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

Testimony For:  This will provide a potential cost savings to the state and allow for more consistent services to juvenile offenders.

Testimony Against:  This will ultimately be more expensive and unworkable.

Testified:  Dixie Corcoran, DSHS, JRA (con); Cheryl Stephani, DSHS, JRA (con); Ryan Pinto, DSHS, JRA (con); Pleas Green, DSHS, JRA (con); Pete Peterson, JCA (pro); Dan Ecker, JCA (pro); Jean Wessman, WSAC (pro).