H-2798.5  _______________________________________________

 

                          HOUSE BILL 2243

          _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington      53rd Legislature     1994 Regular Session

 

By Representatives Long, Morris, Appelwick, Cooke, Padden, Fuhrman, B. Thomas, Van Luven, Johanson, Wineberry, Dyer, Schoesler, Campbell, Brough, Carlson, Edmondson, Karahalios, Basich, L. Johnson, Quall, Chandler, Foreman, Kremen, Springer, J. Kohl and Talcott

 

Read first time 01/12/94.  Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

 

Increasing the penalty for theft of certain firearms.



    AN ACT Relating to theft of firearms; amending RCW 9A.56.030, 9A.56.040, 9A.56.150, 9A.56.160, and 9.41.070; reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.320; and prescribing penalties.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

    Sec. 1.  RCW 9A.56.030 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 260 s 9A.56.030 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) A person is guilty of theft in the first degree if he or she commits theft of:

    (a) Property or services which exceed(s) one thousand five hundred dollars in value; ((or))

    (b) Property of any value taken from the person of another; or

    (c) A firearm, regardless of the firearm's value.

    (2) Theft in the first degree is a class B felony.

 

    Sec. 2.  RCW 9A.56.040 and 1987 c 140 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) A person is guilty of theft in the second degree if he or she commits theft of:

    (a) Property or services which exceed(s) two hundred and fifty dollars in value, but does not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars in value; or

    (b) A public record, writing, or instrument kept, filed, or deposited according to law with or in the keeping of any public office or public servant; or

    (c) An access device; or

    (d) A motor vehicle, of a value less than one thousand five hundred dollars((; or

    (e) A firearm, of a value less than one thousand five hundred dollars)).

    (2) Theft in the second degree is a class C felony.

 

    Sec. 3.  RCW 9A.56.150 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 260 s 9A.56.150 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) A person is guilty of possessing stolen property in the first degree if he or she:  (a) Possesses stolen property which exceeds one thousand five hundred dollars in value; or (b) possesses a stolen firearm regardless of the firearm's value.

    (2) Possessing stolen property in the first degree is a class B felony.

 

    Sec. 4.  RCW 9A.56.160 and 1987 c 140 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) A person is guilty of possessing stolen property in the second degree if:

    (a) He or she possesses stolen property which exceeds two hundred fifty dollars in value but does not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars in value; or

    (b) He or she possesses a stolen public record, writing or instrument kept, filed, or deposited according to law; or

    (c) He or she possesses a stolen access device; or

    (d) He or she possesses a stolen motor vehicle of a value less than one thousand five hundred dollars((; or

    (e) He possesses a stolen firearm)).

    (2) Possessing stolen property in the second degree is a class C felony.

 

    Sec. 5.  RCW 9.94A.320 and 1992 c 145 s 4 and 1992 c 75 s 3 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

   

 

                              TABLE 2

 

           CRIMES INCLUDED WITHIN EACH SERIOUSNESS LEVEL

 

XVAggravated Murder 1 (RCW 10.95.020)

 

XIVMurder 1 (RCW 9A.32.030)

    Homicide by abuse (RCW 9A.32.055)

 

XIIIMurder 2 (RCW 9A.32.050)

 

XIIAssault 1 (RCW 9A.36.011)

    Assault of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.36.120)

 

XIRape 1 (RCW 9A.44.040)

    Rape of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.44.073)

 

XKidnapping 1 (RCW 9A.40.020)

    Rape 2 (RCW 9A.44.050)

    Rape of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.44.076)

    Child Molestation 1 (RCW 9A.44.083)

    Damaging building, etc., by explosion with threat to human being (RCW 70.74.280(1))

    Over 18 and deliver heroin or narcotic from Schedule I or II to someone under 18 (RCW 69.50.406)

    Leading Organized Crime (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(a))

 

IXAssault of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.36.130)

    Robbery 1 (RCW 9A.56.200)

    Manslaughter 1 (RCW 9A.32.060)

    Explosive devices prohibited (RCW 70.74.180)

    Indecent Liberties (with forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1)(a))

    Endangering life and property by explosives with threat to human being (RCW 70.74.270)

    Over 18 and deliver narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or a nonnarcotic from Schedule I-V to someone under 18 and 3 years junior (RCW 69.50.406)

    Controlled Substance Homicide (RCW 69.50.415)

    Sexual Exploitation (RCW 9.68A.040)

    Inciting Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(b)

 

VIIIArson 1 (RCW 9A.48.020)

    Promoting Prostitution 1 (RCW 9A.88.070)

    Selling for profit (controlled or counterfeit) any controlled substance (RCW 69.50.410)

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver heroin or cocaine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i))

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

    Vehicular Homicide, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner (RCW 46.61.520)

 

VIIBurglary 1 (RCW 9A.52.020)

    Vehicular Homicide, by disregard for the  safety of others (RCW 46.61.520)

    Introducing Contraband 1 (RCW 9A.76.140)

    Indecent Liberties (without forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1) (b) and (c))

    Child Molestation 2 (RCW 9A.44.086)

    Dealing in depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.050)

    Sending, bringing into state depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.060)

    Involving a minor in drug dealing (RCW 69.50.401(f))

 

VIBribery (RCW 9A.68.010)

    Manslaughter 2 (RCW 9A.32.070)

    Rape of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.44.079)

    Intimidating a Juror/Witness (RCW 9A.72.110, 9A.72.130)

    Damaging building, etc., by explosion with no threat to human being (RCW 70.74.280(2))

    Endangering life and property by explosives with no threat to human being (RCW 70.74.270)

    Incest 1 (RCW 9A.64.020(1))

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver narcotics from Schedule I or II (except heroin or cocaine) (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i))

    Intimidating a Judge (RCW 9A.72.160)

    Bail Jumping with Murder 1 (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(a))

 

VCriminal Mistreatment 1 (RCW 9A.42.020)

    Rape 3 (RCW 9A.44.060)

    Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 1 (RCW 9A.44.093)

    Child Molestation 3 (RCW 9A.44.089)

    Kidnapping 2 (RCW 9A.40.030)

    Extortion 1 (RCW 9A.56.120)

    Incest 2 (RCW 9A.64.020(2))

    Perjury 1 (RCW 9A.72.020)

    Extortionate Extension of Credit (RCW 9A.82.020)

    Advancing money or property for extortionate extension of credit (RCW 9A.82.030)

    Extortionate Means to Collect Extensions of Credit (RCW 9A.82.040)

    Rendering Criminal Assistance 1 (RCW 9A.76.070)

    Bail Jumping with class A Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(b))

    Delivery of imitation controlled substance by person eighteen or over to person under eighteen (RCW 69.52.030(2))

    Theft 1 of firearm (RCW 9A.56.030(1)(c))

    Possession of Stolen Property 1 of Firearm (RCW 9A.56.150(1)(b))

 

IVResidential Burglary (RCW 9A.52.025)

    Theft of Livestock 1 (RCW 9A.56.080)

    Robbery 2 (RCW 9A.56.210)

    Assault 2 (RCW 9A.36.021)

    Escape 1 (RCW 9A.76.110)

    Arson 2 (RCW 9A.48.030)

    Bribing a Witness/Bribe Received by Witness (RCW 9A.72.090, 9A.72.100)

    Malicious Harassment (RCW 9A.36.080)

    Threats to Bomb (RCW 9.61.160)

    Willful Failure to Return from Furlough (RCW 72.66.060)

    Hit and Run C Injury Accident (RCW 46.52.020(4))

    Vehicular Assault (RCW 46.61.522)

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver narcotics from Schedule III, IV, or V or nonnarcotics from Schedule I-V (except marijuana or methamphetamines) (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii) through (iv))

    Influencing Outcome of Sporting Event (RCW 9A.82.070)

    Use of Proceeds of Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.080 (1) and (2))

    Knowingly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(2))

 

IIICriminal mistreatment 2 (RCW 9A.42.030)

    Extortion 2 (RCW 9A.56.130)

    Unlawful Imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040)

    Assault 3 (RCW 9A.36.031)

    Assault of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.36.140)

    Custodial Assault (RCW 9A.36.100)

    Unlawful possession of firearm or pistol by felon (RCW 9.41.040)

    Harassment (RCW 9A.46.020)

    Promoting Prostitution 2 (RCW 9A.88.080)

    Willful Failure to Return from Work Release (RCW 72.65.070)

    Burglary 2 (RCW 9A.52.030)

    Introducing Contraband 2 (RCW 9A.76.150)

    Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes (RCW 9.68A.090)

    Patronizing a Juvenile Prostitute (RCW 9.68A.100)

    Escape 2 (RCW 9A.76.120)

    Perjury 2 (RCW 9A.72.030)

    Bail Jumping with class B or C Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(c))

    Intimidating a Public Servant (RCW 9A.76.180)

    Tampering with a Witness (RCW 9A.72.120)

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver marijuana (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

    Delivery of a material in lieu of a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(c))

    Manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute an imitation controlled substance (RCW 69.52.030(1))

    Recklessly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(1))

    Theft of livestock 2 (RCW 9A.56.080)

    Securities Act violation (RCW 21.20.400)

 

IIMalicious Mischief 1 (RCW 9A.48.070)

    Possession of Stolen Property 1 other than firearm (RCW 9A.56.150(1)(a))

    Theft 1 of other than firearm (RCW 9A.56.030(1)(a) and (b))

    Possession of controlled substance that is either heroin or narcotics from Schedule I or II (RCW 69.50.401(d))

    Possession of phencyclidine (PCP) (RCW 69.50.401(d))

    Create, deliver, or possess a counterfeit controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(b))

    Computer Trespass 1 (RCW 9A.52.110)

    Reckless Endangerment 1 (RCW 9A.36.045)

    Escape from Community Custody (RCW 72.09.310)

 

ITheft 2 (RCW 9A.56.040)

    Possession of Stolen Property 2 (RCW 9A.56.160)

    Forgery (RCW 9A.60.020)

    Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission (RCW 9A.56.070)

    Vehicle Prowl 1 (RCW 9A.52.095)

    Attempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle (RCW 46.61.024)

    Malicious Mischief 2 (RCW 9A.48.080)

    Reckless Burning 1 (RCW 9A.48.040)

    Unlawful Issuance of Checks or Drafts (RCW 9A.56.060)

    Unlawful Use of Food Stamps (RCW 9.91.140 (2) and (3))

    False Verification for Welfare (RCW 74.08.055)

    Forged Prescription (RCW 69.41.020)

    Forged Prescription for a Controlled Substance (RCW 69.50.403)

    Possess Controlled Substance that is a Narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or Non-narcotic from Schedule I-V (except phencyclidine) (RCW 69.50.401(d))

 

 

    Sec. 6.  RCW 9.41.070 and 1992 c 168 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) The judge of a court of record, the chief of police of a municipality, or the sheriff of a county, shall within thirty days after the filing of an application of any person issue a license to such person to carry a pistol concealed on his or her person within this state for four years from date of issue, for the purposes of protection or while engaged in business, sport, or while traveling.  However, if the applicant does not have a valid permanent Washington driver's license or Washington state identification card or has not been a resident of the state for the previous consecutive ninety days, the issuing authority shall have up to sixty days after the filing of the application to issue a license.  Such applicant's constitutional right to bear arms shall not be denied, unless he or she:

    (a) Is ineligible to own a pistol under the provisions of RCW 9.41.040; or

    (b) Is under twenty‑one years of age; or

    (c) Is subject to a court order or injunction regarding firearms pursuant to RCW 10.99.040, 10.99.045, or 26.09.060; or

    (d) Is free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a crime of violence; or

    (e) Has an outstanding warrant for his or her arrest from any court of competent jurisdiction for a felony or misdemeanor; or

    (f) Has been ordered to forfeit a firearm under RCW 9.41.098(1)(d) within one year before filing an application to carry a pistol concealed on his or her person; or

    (g) Has been convicted of any of the following offenses:  Assault in the third degree, indecent liberties, malicious mischief in the first degree, possession of stolen property in the first or second degree, or theft in the first or second degree.  Any person who becomes ineligible for a concealed pistol permit as a result of a conviction for a crime listed in this subsection (1)(g) and then successfully completes all terms of his or her sentence, as evidenced by a certificate of discharge issued under RCW 9.94A.220 in the case of a sentence under chapter 9.94A RCW, and has not again been convicted of any crime and is not under indictment for any crime, may, one year or longer after such successful sentence completion, petition the district court for a declaration that the person is no longer ineligible for a concealed pistol permit under this subsection (1)(g); or

    (h) Has been convicted of RCW 9A.56.030(1)(c), theft of a firearm, or RCW 9A.56.150(1)(b), possession of a stolen firearm.

    (2) Any person whose firearms rights have been restricted and who has been granted relief from disabilities by the secretary of the treasury under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 925(c) or who is exempt under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 921(a)(20) shall have his or her right to acquire, receive, transfer, ship, transport, carry, and possess firearms in accordance with Washington state law restored.

    (3) The license shall be revoked by the issuing authority immediately upon conviction of a crime which makes such a person ineligible to own a pistol or upon the third conviction for a violation of this chapter within five calendar years.

    (4) Upon an order to forfeit a firearm under RCW 9.41.098(1)(d) the issuing authority shall:

    (a) On the first forfeiture, revoke the license for one year;

    (b) On the second forfeiture, revoke the license for two years;

    (c) On the third or subsequent forfeiture, revoke the license for five years.

Any person whose license is revoked as a result of a forfeiture of a firearm under RCW 9.41.098(1)(d) may not reapply for a new license until the end of the revocation period.  The issuing authority shall notify, in writing, the department of licensing upon revocation of a license.  The department of licensing shall record the revocation.

    (5) The license shall be in triplicate, in form to be prescribed by the department of licensing, and shall bear the name, address, and description, fingerprints, and signature of the licensee, and the licensee's driver's license number or state identification card number if used for identification in applying for the license.  The license application shall contain a warning substantially as follows:

 

CAUTION:  Although state and local laws do not differ, federal law and state law on the possession of firearms differ.  If you are prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm, you may be prosecuted in federal court.  A state license is not a defense to a federal prosecution.

 

    The license application shall contain a description of the major differences between state and federal law and an explanation of the fact that local laws and ordinances on firearms are preempted by state law and must be consistent with state law.  The application shall contain questions about the applicant's place of birth, whether the applicant is a United States citizen, and if not a citizen whether the applicant has declared the intent to become a citizen and whether he or she has been required to register with the state or federal government and any identification or registration number, if applicable.  The applicant shall not be required to produce a birth certificate or other evidence of citizenship.  An applicant who is not a citizen shall provide documentation showing resident alien status and the applicant's intent to become a citizen.  A person who makes a false statement regarding citizenship on the application is guilty of a misdemean­or. A person who is not a citizen of the United States, or has not declared his or her intention to become a citizen shall meet the additional requirements of RCW 9.41.170.

    The original thereof shall be delivered to the licensee, the duplicate shall within seven days be sent by registered mail to the director of licensing and the triplicate shall be preserved for six years, by the authority issuing said license.

    (6) The fee for the original issuance of a four‑year license shall be twenty‑three dollars:  PROVIDED, That no other additional charges by any branch or unit of government shall be borne by the applicant for the issuance of the license:  PROVIDED FURTHER, That the fee shall be distributed as follows:

    (a) Four dollars shall be paid to the state general fund;

    (b) Four dollars shall be paid to the agency taking the fingerprints of the person licensed;

    (c) Twelve dollars shall be paid to the issuing authority for the purpose of enforcing this chapter; and

    (d) Three dollars to the firearms range account in the general fund.

    (7) The fee for the renewal of such license shall be fifteen dollars:  PROVIDED, That no other additional charges by any branch or unit of government shall be borne by the applicant for the renewal of the license:  PROVIDED FURTHER, That the fee shall be distributed as follows:

    (a) Four dollars shall be paid to the state general fund;

    (b) Eight dollars shall be paid to the issuing authority for the purpose of enforcing this chapter; and

    (c) Three dollars to the firearms range account in the general fund.

    (8) Payment shall be by cash, check, or money order at the option of the applicant.  Additional methods of payment may be allowed at the option of the issuing authority.

    (9) A licensee may renew a license if the licensee applies for renewal within ninety days before or after the expiration date of the license.  A license so renewed shall take effect on the expiration date of the prior license.  A licensee renewing after the expiration date of the license must pay a late renewal penalty of ten dollars in addition to the renewal fee specified in subsection (7) of this section.  The fee shall be distributed as follows:

    (a) Three dollars shall be deposited in the state wildlife fund and used exclusively for the printing and distribution of a pamphlet on the legal limits of the use of firearms, firearms safety, and the preemptive nature of state law.  The pamphlet shall be given to each applicant for a license; and

    (b) Seven dollars shall be paid to the issuing authority for the purpose of enforcing this chapter.

    (10) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsections (1) through (9) of this section, the chief of police of the municipality or the sheriff of the county of the applicant's residence may issue a temporary emergency license for good cause pending review under subsection (1) of this section.

    (11) A political subdivision of the state shall not modify the requirements of this section or chapter, nor may a political subdivision ask the applicant to voluntarily submit any information not required by this section.  A civil suit may be brought to enjoin a wrongful refusal to issue a license or a wrongful modification of the requirements of this section or chapter. The civil suit may be brought in the county in which the application was made or in Thurston county at the discretion of the petitioner.  Any person who prevails against a public agency in any action in the courts for a violation of this chapter shall be awarded costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with such legal action.

 


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