Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
HB 2558
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. |
Brief Description: Establishing the joint legislative task force on jail standards.
Sponsors: Representatives Goodman and Klippert.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/29/16
Staff: Kelly Leonard (786-7147).
Background:
Local governments are responsible for facilitating and paying for the incarceration of adult offenders convicted of offenses in their respective jurisdictions when those offenders are sentenced to less than one year of confinement. This responsibility covers misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and some felony convictions, regardless of whether the underlying charges are filed under state law or local ordinance. Local governments may use their own staff and jails or enter into contracts or interlocal agreements to provide these services.
State law requires local governments that own or operate correctional facilities to adopt and follow standards for the operation of those facilities. Standards must meet federal and state constitutional requirements relating to health, safety, and welfare of inmates and staff. Standards must also provide for the public's health, safety, and welfare.
Summary of Bill:
The Joint Legislative Task Force on Jail Standards (Task Force) is established.
The Task Force is composed of one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the Senate and one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the House of Representatives. In addition, the Senate and House of Representatives must jointly appoint 11 members representing the interests of prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, counties, cities, judicial administration, superior courts, district and municipal courts, medical and mental health service providers, and other entities involved with or interested in the operation of local jails.
The Task Force must choose its chair from among its legislative membership.
The Task Force must review the following issues:
the adequacy of standards adopted and used by jails including, but not limited to, standards for conditions and operations, inspections, enforcement, and oversight;
the current process used by cities and counties to develop standards;
the general condition of jails including, but not limited to, safety and physical conditions, health and welfare, and activities and programming, and whether those conditions meet adopted standards;
inmates' access or lack thereof to medical, mental health, and substance abuse treatment in jails;
the impact of fluctuating jail populations on jail conditions;
the impact of fluctuating jail costs on jail conditions;
the impact, if any, of competition between jails on jail conditions;
whether statewide jail standards, oversight, or other policy changes are necessary to ensure jail conditions meet constitutional standards and include adequate safety and welfare safeguards for incarcerated persons; and
other issues relevant to the conditions of jails.
The Task Force must consult with organizations and entities with interest or experience in jail standards and operations including, but not limited to, treatment providers, victims' advocates, inmate advocates, organizations representing jail employees and officers, and other community organizations.
The Task Force must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2018. The Task Force expires on July 1, 2019.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.