HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1484
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Human Services
Title: An act relating to correctional programs, facilities, and institutions on the grounds of a state hospital.
Brief Description: Restricting correctional facilities on the grounds of a state hospital.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Buri, Kelley, Haler, Ormsby, Chase, Hailey, Conway, Darneille and Hudgins.
Brief History:
Human Services: 1/30/07, 2/1/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Dickerson, Chair; Ahern, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Darneille, McCoy and O'Brien.
Staff: Sonja Hallum (786-7092).
Background:
A state hospital means any hospital that is operated and maintained by the state for the
principal purpose of caring for adults and minors whose primary diagnosis involves a mental
disorder. Such hospitals provide both inpatient and outpatient care for persons who enter the
facility by voluntary commitment or involuntary commitment, or pursuant to court order as
part of a criminal proceeding. The hospitals are Western State Hospital, Eastern State
Hospital, and the Child Study and Treatment Center.
The Department of Corrections (DOC) is authorized by statute to establish or relocate work
release or other community-based facilities if mandatory public notice and hearing
requirements are satisfied.
Summary of Bill:
Any program, facility, or institution that serves violent offenders and is operated by the DOC,
either directly or under contract with the DOC, is prohibited from being located or operated
on the grounds of a state hospital. Such programs, facilities, or institutions include, but are
not limited to, work release programs. This prohibition is prospective only and does not
apply to a program, facility, or institution serving violent offenders that is located or operated
on the grounds of a state hospital on the effective date of the bill.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) People with mild to moderate mental health issues are being kept in the
communities, so the people at the state hospitals are those with the most severe issues. These
are vulnerable people who should not be mixed with violent offenders. This issue began a
few years ago when the DOC attempted to put the Progress House Program at the Western
State Hospital. The DOC hasn't sited any programs at state hospitals, but the hospitals have
not been taken off the list of possible sites.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Green, prime sponsor; Cindy Baij, Keep Lakewood and Steilacoom Safe; and Marcia Magee.