SGA 9167
In CommitteeSenate
SAMUEL T. MENSER
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill formally appoints Samuel T. Menser to serve on the Sentencing Guidelines Commission for a three-year term. The appointment ensures the commission has the full complement of members needed to carry out its duties.
- Appoints Samuel T. Menser as a member of the Sentencing Guidelines Commission
- Sets the term of appointment to begin on September 13, 2024, and end on August 2, 2027
Who is affected
- Sentencing Guidelines Commission members and staff — The Sentencing Guidelines Commission is a state body that helps set sentencing policies and guidelines for Washington courts. This appointment ensures the commission has a full membership to carry out its work.
Who Is Most Affected
This appointment ensures the Sentencing Guidelines Commission has full membership, supporting its ability to develop evidence-based sentencing policies. The commission’s work influences sentencing consistency and fairness across Washington courts, which indirectly affects incarcerated individuals, families of those impacted by the justice system, and the broader public through more predictable and equitable outcomes.
As a newly appointed commissioner, Menser will help shape sentencing guidelines, which may influence incarceration rates, prison populations, and reentry pathways. His expertise (if aligned with reform-oriented goals) could contribute to reduced over-incarceration, especially for nonviolent offenses.
The commission’s work directly affects prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and court staff by setting the sentencing framework within which they operate. A fully functioning commission supports stable, updated guidelines that reduce uncertainty in plea negotiations and sentencing.
State and local correctional agencies rely on sentencing guidelines to forecast prison populations and budget needs. A fully staffed commission helps ensure guidelines reflect current data, aiding more accurate resource planning.
As the appointee, Menser gains formal influence over state sentencing policy, which may enhance his professional standing and access to policy-making roles. However, this is a minor individual benefit with no direct economic impact on his personal finances or business interests.