Funding for Court Interpreters (HB 2176)

HB 2176, sponsored by Rep. Pat Lantz (D-Gig Harbor) does two things. It would require each municipal court to develop a language assistance plan to provide a framework for the provision of interpreter services in civil and criminal matters, and would provide for state reimbursement of half the cost of interpreters appointed in court proceedings. While the policy bill passed out of the committee, the budget was cut significantly. The fiscal impact of having every court develop an assistance plan is significant, but making funding available to help local jurisdictions with these costs is welcome.

Our hope is to have this bill amended to tie the funding to a requirement that the language plan be developed so that it may act as an incentive. We understand the Administrative Office of the Courts is currently working on a model language plan that could be adopted by local jurisdictions to meet the plan requirements.

Reentry of Offenders into the Community (HB 1874, SB 5070)

On Tuesday, February 27 at 3:30 pm, the House Appropriations Committee will hear HB 1874. AWC has previously weighed in on this bill regarding the siting of Community Justice Centers, the impact of concentration of offenders receiving housing vouchers, and liability issues. See last week’s Bulletin for more information.

SB 5070 passed out of the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee on February 21. AWC has weighed in with similar concerns on this bill, and the amended version includes additional consultation with impacted cities and counties. It is also expected to be further amended to include additional liability limits for offender supervision. We will also be working to draft some limits on the concentration of housing for transitioning ex-offenders using funding through the Department of Corrections.

Auto Theft (SHB 1001)

An amended version of HB 1001 passed out of the House Human Services Committee on Thursday, February 22 with several amendments that weaken the juvenile penalty enhancements. It is expected to be referred to the Appropriations Committee for a hearing on the fiscal impact. The current version raises an estimated $14 million through a $10 surcharge on traffic infractions that would be dedicated to fighting auto theft. Uses of the money would include hiring additional law enforcement and covering court and prosecution costs. See last week’s Bulletin for more information.

Statewide Enhanced 911 Emergency Radio Network (HB 2225)

This bill to create a work group to improve interoperable communications with the public during emergencies will be heard in the House Technology, Energy & Communications Committee on Tuesday, February 27 at 10 am.

Increasing Penalties for Gang-related Offenses (SB 5987)

A number of communities are struggling with an increase in gang-related violence and property damage. This bill to increase penalties for crimes associated with gang activity and to create a new crime for damage to property for tagging graffiti will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, February 28 at 3:30 pm.

Wrongful Injury or Death Cause of Action (SB 5816/HB 1873)

AWC testified against these bills last week with a panel coordinated by the Liability Reform Coalition that included staff from the Attorney General’s Office and the Defense Trial Lawyers because they would substantially increase liability in wrongful injury or death claims.

The bills expand the scope of plaintiffs who may sue in these cases and expand the scope of damages for which plaintiffs may recover to include non-economic damages. They are expected to substantially raise the amount of money cities would be required to pay in wrongful death claims, even if no other circumstances were changed. We will continue to advocate against these costly and unnecessary proposals.

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