HOUSE BILL REPORT

E2SSB 6767

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Niemi, Nelson, Talmadge, Newhouse and Rasmussen)

Creating a juvenile justice review commission.

House Committe on Human Services

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Sayan, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Moyer, Ranking Republican Member; Tate, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Anderson, Brekke, Hargrove, Leonard, Padden, Raiter and Winsley.

House Staff:Dave Knutson (786-7146)

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended by Committee on Human Services.  (20)

      Signed by Representatives Locke, Chair; Grant, Vice Chair; H. Sommers, Vice Chair; Silver, Ranking Republican Member; Youngsman, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Belcher, Bowman, Brekke, Brough, Ebersole, Hine, Inslee, May, McLean, Nealey, Rust, Spanel, Valle, Wang and Wineberry.

House Staff:      Michelle Hauth (786-7384)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 2, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Legislature enacted the Juvenile Justice Act in 1977.  This act provides a comprehensive approach to deal with juveniles who engage in criminal activity.  It also addresses the needs of youth who are adjudicated as dependent children.

The act has been modified periodically during the past 13 years.  It has been suggested that it is time for a comprehensive review to be conducted in light of the changing times and emerging needs of juveniles and the public.

A process to resolve complaints and disputes involving children's services does not exist.

SUMMARY:

A Juvenile Justice Act Review Commission is created.  The commission is composed of four legislators; one Superior Court judge; one prosecuting attorney; a representative of the cities and a representative of the counties; one member selected by the secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services; one member selected by the secretary of the Department of Corrections; one mental health specialist; two attorneys selected by the Bar Association who practice juvenile law; one who represents a public defender organization; and two members selected by the governor who have a demonstrated interest in the adjudication and disposition of juvenile offenders.  Parents, social service providers, and law enforcement are also represented.  The commission will review the juvenile justice act, the provisions for families in conflict, and juvenile dependency provisions.

A children's services ombuds office is established in the Department of Community Development.  The ombuds will investigate issues related to children's services and make appropriate recommendations to resolve disputes.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Human Services)  Lee Fish, Spokane County Juvenile Court Administrator; Jerry Wasson, Department of Social and Health Services; and Margaret Casey, Alliance for Children, Youth, and Families.

(Appropriations)  No one.

House Committee - Testified Against:      (Human Services)  No one.

(Appropriations)  No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Human Services)  A review of Washington's juvenile statutes is a good idea.

(Appropriations)  None.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      (Human Services)  None.

(Appropriations)  None.

VOTE ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Yeas 96; Absent 1 - 3/2

Absent:     Representative Rayburn