HB 2397-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/10/04)

Declares an intent to establish a penalty in law that will hold convicted domestic violence offenders accountable while requiring them to pay penalties to offset the costs of domestic violence advocacy and prevention programs. It is the intent that the penalties imposed against convicted domestic violence offenders under this act be used for established domestic violence prevention and prosecution programs.

Provides that all superior courts, and courts organized under Title 3 or 35 RCW, may impose a penalty assessment not to exceed one hundred dollars on any person convicted of a crime involving domestic violence. The assessment shall be in addition to, and shall not supersede, any other penalty, restitution, fines, or costs provided by law.

Provides that revenue from the assessment shall be used solely for the purposes of establishing and funding domestic violence advocacy and domestic violence prevention and prosecution programs in the city or county of the court imposing the assessment.