Rep. Troy Kelley takes a closer look at the interstate compact on adult offender supervision
OLYMPIA – Rep. Troy Kelley continues his efforts to cut costs and the number of dangerous felons entering Washington state by taking a closer look at the interstate compact on adult offender supervision.
While Washington imports nearly three times the number of offenders it exports, additional costs of those offenders fall on the state.
“States aren’t just exporting felons to Washington, they’re exporting the cost as well,” Kelley said while testifying during Wednesday’s House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee hearing. “Not only does this cause an additional threat to safety, but it also increases costs for Washington citizens amidst harsh economic circumstances.”
Kelley’s House Bill 1438 requires identifying the states that are sending high volumes of offenders to Washington while determining the feasibility and cost involved in establishing a memoranda of understanding with those states. It also addresses the inequitable distribution of costs, benefits and obligations affecting Washington state, and it re-evaluates participation in the interstate compact.
Kelley sponsored similar legislation last year following the tragic November 2009 Lakewood officer shootings. The shooter in that incident was originally pardoned by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.