SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5458

As Passed Senate, March 6, 2017

Title: An act relating to changing the date in which community impact statements are provided to the department of corrections.

Brief Description: Changing the date in which community impact statements are provided to the department of corrections.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senator Takko).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 1/31/17, 2/08/17, 2/09/17 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 3/06/17, 49-0.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5458 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Padden, Chair; O'Ban, Vice Chair; Pedersen, Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Darneille, Frockt and Wilson.

Staff: Shani Bauer (786-7468)

Background: An offender who is incarcerated with the Department of Corrections (DOC) and has earned early release time may be released to community custody if the offender has an approved release plan with an approved living address. DOC may provide rental vouchers to an offender for a period of up to three months if the rental vouchers will assist the offender in getting an approved release plan.

DOC is required to maintain a list of housing providers who are authorized to receive rental vouchers. Anytime a new housing provider requests to be added to the list, DOC must give notice to local government where the housing is located. The local government may provide DOC with a community impact statement that includes the number and location of other special-needs housing in the neighborhood and a review of services and supports in the area to assist offenders in their transition. If the community impact statement is provided to DOC within ten days of notice of a new housing provider request, DOC must consider the community impact statement in determining whether to add the provider to the list.

Summary of First Substitute Bill: If a community impact statement is provided to DOC within 25 days of notice of a new housing provider request, DOC must consider the community impact statement in determining whether to add the provider to the list.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: This was the City of Longview's first experience with this process. The city received notice that a new transitional housing provider would be added in Longview. Staff worked diligently to complete the paperwork in the form requested by DOC. The process took 11 days. The analysis requires the cooperation of four agencies and a review to ensure residents have the access to service and support that they need, but in a way that respects existing neighborhoods. The city wanted to make sure that the housing was properly cited for the protection of its citizens. Ten days was not an adequate time period to check with the necessary departments and prepare a response. It would have been helpful to have a little more time. Officials at DOC were very cooperative and ultimately withdrew the plan for housing at the particular location.

OTHER: DOC wants to maintain good relationships with jurisdictions where housing providers are located. The ten day time period was initially negotiated with cities when this statute was passed. DOC is neutral, but the preference would be for some time period less than 30 days. DOC ultimately wants to be a good partner with local governments and wants vendors that are appropriate in jurisdictions.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Dean Takko, Prime Sponsor; Mayor Don Jensen, City of Longview; Mayor Pro Tem Mike Wallin, City of Longview; David Campbell, City of Longview.

OTHER: Alex MacBain, DOC

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.