FINAL BILL REPORT

2SHB 2791

C 188 L 16

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Creating the Washington statewide reentry council.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Pettigrew, Goodman, Moscoso, Senn, Frame, Stanford, Santos and Walkinshaw).

House Committee on Public Safety

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health & Housing

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce (Department) is an executive branch agency responsible for enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. The Department administers a diverse portfolio of programs as well as several state boards and commissions.

Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) is the Legislature's performance auditor. The JLARC conducts performance audits, program evaluations, sunset reviews, and other analyses at the direction of the Legislature.

Washington State Institute for Public Policy. The Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) carries out nonpartisan research at the direction of the Legislature. Fiscal and administrative services for the WSIPP are provided by The Evergreen State College.

Summary:

The Washington Statewide Reentry Council (Council) is created for the purpose of promoting successful reentry of offenders after incarceration, as long as the Legislature appropriates funds for its creation. The Council is located within the Department.

Membership. The Council is comprised of 13 members appointed by the Governor with the following members:

• representatives of the Department of Corrections;

• representatives of the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration;

• representatives of a statewide organization representing community and technical colleges;

• representatives of a statewide organization representing law enforcement interests;

• representatives of a statewide organization representing the interests of crime victims;

• representatives of a statewide organization representing prosecutors;

• representatives of a statewide organization representing public defenders;

• representatives of a statewide or local organization representing businesses and employers;

• representatives of housing providers;

• representatives of faith-based organizations or communities;

• two persons with experience reentering the community after incarceration; and

• two other community leaders.

When making appointments, the Governor must consider certain factors. One membership position is reserved for a person with a background in tribal affairs. Initial appointees serve staggered terms of four, three, and two years. Subsequent appointments are for two-year terms. The Council must elect co-chairs from among its membership.

Executive Director. If the Legislature appropriates funds for the specific purpose, the Council must select an executive director to administrate the business of the Council. The executive director must be confirmed by the Senate. Employment of the executive director is for a term of three years, which may be extended by the Council. The executive director is located in, and paid by, the Department.

Powers and Responsibilities. The Council may:

• advise the Legislature and the Governor on issues relating to reentry and reintegration of offenders;

• review, study, and make policy and funding recommendations on issues directly and indirectly related to reentry and reintegration of offenders in Washington, including, but not limited to: correctional programming and other issues in state and local correctional facilities; housing; employment; education; treatment; and other issues contributing to recidivism;

• apply for, receive, use, and leverage public and private grants as well as specifically appropriated funds to establish, manage, and promote initiatives and programs related to successful reentry and reintegration of offenders;

• contract for services in order to carry out initiatives and programs;

• create committees and subcommittees; and

• create and consult with advisory groups comprised of nonmembers.

The Council must meet at least four times each year. The Council must submit to the Governor and appropriate committees of the Legislature a report every two years.

Performance Audit. The JLARC must conduct a performance audit of the Council every six years.

Study. If the Legislature appropriates funds for the specific purpose, the WSIPP must conduct a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of programs aimed at assisting offenders with reentering the community after incarceration. The study must include a review and update of the literature on reentry programs in Washington and across the country. The WSIPP must report on the types of programs demonstrated to be effective in reducing recidivism among the general offender population. The WSIPP must report results to the Governor, the appropriate committees of the Legislature, and the Council no later than June 1, 2017.

Votes on Final Passage: