Title: An act relating to studying the economic impact of state facilities on local governments.

Brief Description: Studying the economic impact of state facilities on local governments.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Children & Family Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Winsley, Franklin, Kastama, Rasmussen, Oke and Regala).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

• Authorizes a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) study of the economic benefits and costs of state facilities on local economies and governments.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Romero, Chair; Schindler, Ranking Minority Member; Jarrett, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Berkey, Clibborn, Edwards, Ericksen, Mielke and Moeller.

In 1979, the Legislature created the Institutional Impact Account to reimburse political subdivisions for criminal justice costs incurred directly as a result of crimes committed by offenders residing in an institution under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social and Health Services or the Department of Corrections. "Institution" is defined as any state institution for the confinement of adult offenders that are convicted of a felony under RCW 10.64, that are deemed criminally insane under RCW 10.77, or deemed a sexual psychopath under RCW 71.06; or juvenile offenders committed pursuant to chapter 13.40. Reimbursements may be made to the extent funds are available in the Institutional Impact Account.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) is a statutorily created committee of eight senators and eight representatives, equally divided between the two major political parties. The JLARC staff conduct performance audits, program evaluations, sunset reviews, and other policy and fiscal studies.

The JLARC is required to review the economic benefits and costs of state facilities on local economies and governments. In conducting its review, the JLARC must consider the impacts from state hospitals, state correctional facilities, and state juvenile correctional institutions. The JLARC may also consider comparable information from other states. A final report is due to the Legislature by December 1, 2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: Having a state institution in your jurisdiction is a ticklish issue for local governments. The City of Lakewood spends approximately $1 million annually to respond to 911 calls and juvenile justice. Because the state hospital cannot deny residents access to telephones, residents place 911 calls repeatedly for all kinds of reasons. The Lakewood Police Department receives approximately 2000 calls a year. This is a serious problem for Western and Eastern State Hospitals. A JLARC study would be very helpful to look at the issue and see if there is something that can be done to compensate these communities. State patrol and fire districts are compensated, but the City of Lakewood Police Department is not. This is not equitable. Although the state is facing serious budget problems, the cities are facing similar problems. We need to bring this matter to the attention of the Legislature.