(1) If an offender has not completed his or her maximum term of total confinement and is subject to a third violation hearing pursuant to RCW 9.94A.737 for any violation of community custody and is found to have committed the violation, the department shall return the offender to total confinement in a state correctional facility to serve up to the remaining portion of his or her sentence, unless it is determined that returning the offender to a state correctional facility would substantially interfere with the offender's ability to maintain necessary community supports or to participate in necessary treatment or programming and would substantially increase the offender's likelihood of reoffending.

     (2) The department may work with the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs to establish and operate an electronic monitoring program for low-risk offenders who violate the terms of their community custody.

     (3) Local governments, their subdivisions and employees, the department and its employees, and the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs and its employees are immune from civil liability for damages arising from incidents involving low-risk offenders who are placed on electronic monitoring unless it is shown that an employee acted with gross negligence or bad faith.

[2008 c 231 § 16.]

NOTES:

     Intent -- Application -- Application of repealers -- Effective date -- 2008 c 231: See notes following RCW 9.94A.701.

     Severability -- 2008 c 231: See note following RCW 9.94A.500.