Juvenile Law

Amends RCW 13.40 by removing from DSHS the duties to operate the camp and to site the facility in the most cost-effective facility possible. Exempts the program from licensing requirements under RCW 74.15. Allows up to 40 days in addition to the 120 days of disposition spent in the camp if a juvenile offender needs additional time to successfully complete the program. Removes provision that camp shall accommodate at least 70 offenders. Changes the term "rules" to "standards" regarding DSHS's developing means of safe and effective operation of the camp.

JUVENILE RECORDS
SHB 1212 (S, J)
Chapter 174, Laws 2001

Adds to RCW 13.50.050, section 12 provision for sealing of juvenile misdemeanor records if no convictions while in the community for two consecutive years and for sealing of juvenile gross misdemeanor records if no convictions while in the community for three consecutive years, since the last date of release or entry of disposition and the person is now at least 18 years of age.

Pattern Forms Committee will review forms for necessary revisions.

DIVERSIONS
SHB 1471 (S, J)
Chapter 175, Laws 2001

Adds section to RCW 13.40.127 providing for destruction of records of a person 23 years or older whose criminal history consists of only referrals for diversion, if all diversion agreements have been successfully completed and no proceeding seeking conviction of a criminal offense is pending against the person. Amends RCW 13.40.127 eliminating diversions as ineligibility factor for deferred disposition.

Pattern Forms Committee will review forms for necessary revisions.

CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY DISPOSITION ALTERNATIVE
SSB 5468 (S, J)
Chapter 164, Laws 2001

Amends RCW 13.40.165, making more youth eligible for chemical dependency disposition alternative (CDDA). Eliminates "amenable to treatment" from eligibility requirements. Adds "substance abusing" as an eligibility factor in addition to "chemically dependent."

Pattern Forms Committee will review forms for necessary revisions.

JUVENILE RECORDS-MOTION TO SEAL
SB 5691 (S, J)
Chapter 49, Laws 2001

Any motion to seal a juvenile record that is filed after July 1, 1997, must be decided based upon the criteria contained in RCW 13.50.050 in effect after July 1, 1997, regardless of when the conviction occurred.

DEPENDENT CHILDREN - INFORMATION SHARING
ESSB 5995
Chapter 52, Laws 2001

Adds new sections to RCW 26.44 and RCW 13.34, as a result of the recent analysis of the child dependency system following the death of Zy'Nia Nobles. DSHS shall, consistent with state and federal laws, establish and use guidelines for communication of relevant information among divisions, providers, the courts, the family, caregivers, caseworkers and others. Law enforcement must notify DSHS when a child is present at a methamphetamine lab. Nothing in the act creates a private right of action.