SENATE BILL REPORT

                  EHB 2507

                    As of February 13, 1996

Title:  An act relating to sex offender registration.

Brief Description:  Requiring a person convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor in the second degree to register as a sex offender.

Sponsors:  Representatives D. Sommers, Koster, Robertson, Sterk, Honeyford, Hargrove, McMahan, Goldsmith, Stevens, Mulliken and Johnson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  2/15/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Jodi Walker (786-7464)

Background:  A sex offender must register with the county sheriff within 24 hours of being released from confinement.  The registration requirement applies to all felony sex offenses and the following gross misdemeanors: (1) attempts to commit a class C felony sex offense and (2) communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

Currently, registration is not required for the gross misdemeanor of sexual misconduct with a minor in the second degree.  This offense involves sexual contact with a 16 or 17 year old when the perpetrator is more than five years older than the victim, has a significant relationship with the victim, and abuses a supervisory position in order to have sexual contact.

Unless shortened by court order, registration is for life for class A felony sex offenses, 15 years for class B felony sex offenses, and ten years for class C felony sex offenses and applicable gross misdemeanors.

Failure to register or a subsequent failure to notify of an address change is itself a class C felony if the underlying sex offense was a class A felony.  Otherwise, failure to register is a gross misdemeanor.

Summary of Bill:  The sex offender registration requirements are extended to include the gross misdemeanor crime of sexual misconduct with a minor in the second degree.  For this crime, the offender must remain registered for ten years following release from confinement.

Failure to register as a sex offender or failure to notify the sheriff of a change in address is a class C felony, regardless of the classification of the underlying sex offense.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.