SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6634

As of January 23, 2002

Title:  An act relating to direct supervision of offenders by all department of corrections employees.

Brief Description:  Requiring direct supervision of offenders by all department of corrections employees.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove, Kline and Franklin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections: 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Edith Rice (786‑7444)

Background:  The Department of Corrections was created in 1981 by the Washington State Legislature.  The enabling legislation for the department is contained in Chapter 72, Revised Code of Washington.

The department employees 6,000 men and women to administer and supervise over 14,000 offenders housed in 12 institutions and 19 work training and pre-release facilities.  In addition, there are over 81,000 supervised offenders in the community.

There are five regions in the state.  Each region is administered by a regional administrator, who provides oversight to that region's community corrections offices and facilities and reports to the Office of Correctional Operations.

Summary of Bill:  The secretary of the Department of Corrections and all exempt or non-exempt employees of the department are required to supervise adult felons in prison or in the community.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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