CRIME & PUNISHMENT

Prostitution penalties: HB 1362 would allow cops to impound vehicles used in prostitution offenses by hookers, pimps or customers, and make them pay an additional $500 fee to reclaim vehicles if the act of prostitution took place in areas designated by city or county councils. House passed, 91-4.

Ex-con supervision: SB 5288 would reduce supervision of offenders who get out of jail or prison to only six months unless they are considered at high risk to re-offend - that is, mostly sex offenders, the dangerously mentally ill and some others. Senate passed, 38-8.

Penny-wise and pound foolish. The last thing we need is less supervision of released criminals.

Death Penalty: SB 5476 would have abolished the death penalty in Washington. Died in committee.

Good news, although Washington was not considered one of the states in danger this year. For the future, though, it is important to make the death penalty actually effective before the fatigue factor undercuts support to the point where the anti-justice forces have a real chance.

Deport inmates: HB 2188 would allow the state to deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes and are now serving time in Washington prisons. This is the kind of issue that might be put in the budget. Governor request.

Not sure about this. Deporting them to Tijuana means, in practice, deporting them to San Diego. From there, it's pretty easy to get back to Washington.

Release sick convicts: HB 2194 would let the state give early release to inmates who are chronically or terminally ill and cost the state a lot in health care costs. Requested by governor, so provisions for this policy might be put in the budget.

If they want to release them out of compassion, there is an argument for that. Claims that the move will save substantial sums of money are bogus. Nearly all are indigent, and the health care will be paid for by taxpayers one way or another.

Felony suspects' DNA: HB 1382 would let authorities collect DNA samples from people arrested on suspicion of committing felony crimes instead of waiting until they are convicted, contingent on federal funds to implement. Seems to have died in House budget committee.

Such testing is a good idea if crafted so that nothing but identity is revealed. That is, only "junk" DNA with no known connection to actual characteristics is measured, and no actual tissue sample is preserved. Better luck next session.

Ex-con voting rights: HB 1517 once would have let former inmates vote after they get out of prison but before they pay off their fines and court costs, but the final version turns into a study by the secretary of state with a report due in 2010. House passed, 53-43.

A move in the wrong direction put on ice for now with a study. Good result, considering the alternative.

Marijuana fines: SB 5615 would lower the penalties for adult possession of less than 1.4 ounces of dope, making it a $100 fine instead of a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of as much as 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Appears to have died.