BILL REQ. #:  H-4251.6 



_____________________________________________ 

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2424
_____________________________________________
State of Washington61st Legislature2010 Regular Session

By House Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness (originally sponsored by Representatives O'Brien, Pearson, Hurst, Takko, Herrera, Chandler, Ross, Rodne, Dammeier, Condotta, Shea, Klippert, Smith, Walsh, Parker, McCune, Campbell, Johnson, Eddy, Morrell, Kelley, Short, Sullivan, Conway, Kagi, Roach, Kristiansen, Bailey, Haler, Schmick, Ericks, Warnick, Ormsby, Moeller, and Hope; by request of Attorney General)

READ FIRST TIME 01/26/10.   



     AN ACT Relating to protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse; amending RCW 9.68.001, 9.68A.110, 9.68A.011, 9.68A.050, 9.68A.060, and 9.68A.070; reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.515; adding a new section to chapter 9.68A RCW; and prescribing penalties.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 9.68A.001 and 2007 c 368 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislature finds that the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse of children constitutes a government objective of surpassing importance. The care of children is a sacred trust and should not be abused by those who seek commercial gain or personal gratification based on the exploitation of children.
     The legislature further finds that the protection of children from sexual exploitation can be accomplished without infringing on a constitutionally protected activity. The definition of "sexually explicit conduct" and other operative definitions demarcate a line between protected and prohibited conduct and should not inhibit legitimate scientific, medical, or educational activities.
     The legislature further finds that children engaged in sexual conduct for financial compensation are frequently the victims of sexual abuse. Approximately eighty to ninety percent of children engaged in sexual activity for financial compensation have a history of sexual abuse victimization. It is the intent of the legislature to encourage these children to engage in prevention and intervention services and to hold those who pay to engage in the sexual abuse of children accountable for the trauma they inflict on children.
     The legislature further finds that due to the changing nature of technology, offenders are now able to access child pornography in different ways and in increasing quantities. By amending current statutes governing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, it is the intent of the legislature to ensure that intentional viewing of and trading in child pornography over the internet is subject to a criminal penalty without limiting the scope of existing prohibitions on the possession of or dealing in child pornography, including the possession of electronic depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. It is also the intent of the legislature to clarify, in response to State v. Sutherby, 204 P.3d 916 (2009), and other recent case law, that each individual item of visual or printed matter constitutes a separate violation for purposes of determining the unit of prosecution under the statutes governing possession of and trading in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Furthermore, it is the intent of the legislature to set a different unit of prosecution for the new crime of intentionally viewing over the internet a visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct such that each separate internet session of intentionally viewing over the internet of a visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct constitutes a separate offense.

Sec. 2   RCW 9.68A.110 and 2007 c 368 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) In a prosecution under RCW 9.68A.040, it is not a defense that the defendant was involved in activities of law enforcement and prosecution agencies in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses. Law enforcement and prosecution agencies shall not employ minors to aid in the investigation of a violation of RCW 9.68A.090 or 9.68A.100. This chapter does not apply to lawful conduct between spouses.
     (2) In a prosecution under RCW 9.68A.050, 9.68A.060, 9.68A.070, or 9.68A.080, it is not a defense that the defendant did not know the age of the child depicted in the visual or printed matter: PROVIDED, That it is a defense, which the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that at the time of the offense the defendant was not in possession of any facts on the basis of which he or she should reasonably have known that the person depicted was a minor.
     (3) In a prosecution under RCW 9.68A.040, 9.68A.090, 9.68A.101, or 9.68A.102, it is not a defense that the defendant did not know the alleged victim's age: PROVIDED, That it is a defense, which the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that at the time of the offense, the defendant made a reasonable bona fide attempt to ascertain the true age of the minor by requiring production of a driver's license, marriage license, birth certificate, or other governmental or educational identification card or paper and did not rely solely on the oral allegations or apparent age of the minor.
     (4) In a prosecution under RCW 9.68A.050, 9.68A.060, or 9.68A.070, it shall be an affirmative defense that the defendant was a law enforcement officer or a person specifically authorized, in writing, to assist a law enforcement officer and acting at the direction of a law enforcement officer in the process of conducting an official investigation of a sex-related crime against a minor, or that the defendant was providing individual case treatment as a recognized medical facility or as a psychiatrist or psychologist licensed under Title 18 RCW.
     (5) In a prosecution under RCW 9.68A.050, 9.68A.060, or 9.68A.070, the state is not required to establish the identity of the alleged victim.

Sec. 3   RCW 9.68A.011 and 2002 c 70 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) An "internet session" means a period of time during which an internet user using a specific internet protocol address visits or is logged into an internet site for a sequential and uninterrupted period of time.
     (2)
To "photograph" means to make a print, negative, slide, digital image, motion picture, or videotape. A "photograph" means anything tangible or intangible produced by photographing.
     (((2))) (3) "Visual or printed matter" means ((any)) a photograph or other material that contains a reproduction of a photograph.
     (((3))) (4) "Sexually explicit conduct" means actual or simulated:
     (a) Sexual intercourse, including genital-genital, oral-genital, anal-genital, or oral-anal, whether between persons of the same or opposite sex or between humans and animals;
     (b) Penetration of the vagina or rectum by any object;
     (c) Masturbation;
     (d) Sadomasochistic abuse for the purpose of sexual stimulation of the viewer;
     (e) ((Exhibition)) Depiction of the genitals or unclothed pubic or rectal areas of any minor, or the unclothed breast of a female minor, for the purpose of sexual stimulation of the viewer. For purposes of this subsection (4)(e), it is not necessary that the minor know that he or she is participating in the described conduct, or any aspect of it;
     (f) Defecation or urination for the purpose of sexual stimulation of the viewer; and
     (g) Touching of a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or breast area for the purpose of sexual stimulation of the viewer.
     (((4))) (5) "Minor" means any person under eighteen years of age.
     (((5))) (6) "Live performance" means any play, show, skit, dance, or other exhibition performed or presented to or before an audience of one or more, with or without consideration.

Sec. 4   RCW 9.68A.050 and 1989 c 32 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     A person who:
     (1) Knowingly develops, duplicates, publishes, prints, disseminates, exchanges, finances, attempts to finance, or sells ((any)) a visual or printed matter that depicts a minor engaged in an act of sexually explicit conduct; or
     (2) Possesses with intent to develop, duplicate, publish, print, disseminate, exchange, or sell ((any)) a visual or printed matter that depicts a minor engaged in an act of sexually explicit conduct
is guilty of a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
     (3) For the purposes of this section, each depiction or image of visual or printed matter constitutes a separate offense.

Sec. 5   RCW 9.68A.060 and 1989 c 32 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A person who knowingly sends or causes to be sent, or brings or causes to be brought, into this state for sale or distribution, ((any)) a visual or printed matter that depicts a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct is guilty of a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
     (2) For the purposes of this section, each depiction or image of visual or printed matter constitutes a separate offense.

Sec. 6   RCW 9.68A.070 and 2006 c 139 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A person who knowingly possesses a visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct is guilty of a class B felony.
     (2) For the purposes of this section, each depiction or image of visual or printed matter constitutes a separate offense.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   A new section is added to chapter 9.68A RCW to read as follows:
     (1) A person who intentionally views over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct is guilty of a class B felony. For purposes of determining whether a person intentionally viewed over the internet a visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, the trier of fact shall consider the title, text, and content of the visual or printed matter, as well as the internet history, search terms, thumbnail images, downloading activity, expert computer forensic testimony, number of visual or printed matters depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, defendant's access to and control over the electronic device and its contents upon which the visual or printed matter was found, or any other relevant evidence.
     (2) For purposes of this section, each separate internet session of intentionally viewing over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct constitutes a separate offense.
     (3) This section shall not be construed to authorize warrantless internet surveillance by a commissioned law enforcement officer in the process of conducting an official investigation of a sex-related crime against a minor if the surveillance would violate Article I, section 7 of the state Constitution.

Sec. 8   RCW 9.94A.515 and 2008 c 108 s 23 and 2008 c 38 s 1 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     

 TABLE 2
 CRIMES INCLUDED WITHIN EACH SERIOUSNESS LEVEL
XVIAggravated Murder 1 (RCW      10.95.020)
XVHomicide by abuse (RCW 9A.32.055)
 Malicious explosion 1 (RCW      70.74.280(1))
 Murder 1 (RCW 9A.32.030)
XIVMurder 2 (RCW 9A.32.050)
 Trafficking 1 (RCW 9A.40.100(1))
XIIIMalicious explosion 2 (RCW      70.74.280(2))
 Malicious placement of an explosive 1      (RCW 70.74.270(1))
XIIAssault 1 (RCW 9A.36.011)
 Assault of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.36.120)
 Malicious placement of an imitation      device 1 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(a))
 Rape 1 (RCW 9A.44.040)
 Rape of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.44.073)
 Trafficking 2 (RCW 9A.40.100(2))
XIManslaughter 1 (RCW 9A.32.060)
 Rape 2 (RCW 9A.44.050)
 Rape of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.44.076)
XChild Molestation 1 (RCW 9A.44.083)
 Criminal Mistreatment 1 (RCW 9A.42.020)
 Indecent Liberties (with forcible      compulsion) (RCW      9A.44.100(1)(a))
 Kidnapping 1 (RCW 9A.40.020)
 Leading Organized Crime (RCW      9A.82.060(1)(a))
 Malicious explosion 3 (RCW      70.74.280(3))
 Sexually Violent Predator Escape      (RCW 9A.76.115)
IXAbandonment of Dependent Person 1      (RCW 9A.42.060)
 Assault of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.36.130)
 Explosive devices prohibited (RCW      70.74.180)
 Hit and Run--Death (RCW      46.52.020(4)(a))
 Homicide by Watercraft, by being      under the influence of intoxicating      liquor or any drug (RCW      79A.60.050)
 Inciting Criminal Profiteering (RCW      9A.82.060(1)(b))
 Malicious placement of an explosive 2      (RCW 70.74.270(2))
 Robbery 1 (RCW 9A.56.200)
 Sexual Exploitation (RCW 9.68A.040)
 Vehicular Homicide, by being under      the influence of intoxicating liquor      or any drug (RCW 46.61.520)
VIIIArson 1 (RCW 9A.48.020)
 Homicide by Watercraft, by the      operation of any vessel in a      reckless manner (RCW      79A.60.050)
 Manslaughter 2 (RCW 9A.32.070)
 Promoting Commercial Sexual Abuse      of a Minor (RCW 9.68A.101)
 Promoting Prostitution 1 (RCW      9A.88.070)
 Theft of Ammonia (RCW 69.55.010)
 Vehicular Homicide, by the operation      of any vehicle in a reckless manner       (RCW 46.61.520)
VIIBurglary 1 (RCW 9A.52.020)
 Child Molestation 2 (RCW 9A.44.086)
 Civil Disorder Training (RCW      9A.48.120)
 Dealing in depictions of minor engaged       in sexually explicit conduct (RCW       9.68A.050)
 Drive-by Shooting (RCW 9A.36.045)
 Homicide by Watercraft, by disregard      for the safety of others (RCW      79A.60.050)
 Indecent Liberties (without forcible      compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1)      (b) and (c))
 Introducing Contraband 1 (RCW      9A.76.140)
 Malicious placement of an explosive 3      (RCW 70.74.270(3))
 Negligently Causing Death By Use of a       Signal Preemption Device (RCW      46.37.675)
 Sending, bringing into state depictions      of minor engaged in sexually      explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.060)
 Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in      the first degree (RCW 9.41.040(1))
 Use of a Machine Gun in Commission      of a Felony (RCW 9.41.225)
 Vehicular Homicide, by disregard for      the safety of others (RCW      46.61.520)
VIBail Jumping with Murder 1 (RCW      9A.76.170(3)(a))
 Bribery (RCW 9A.68.010)
 Incest 1 (RCW 9A.64.020(1))
 Intimidating a Judge (RCW 9A.72.160)
 Intimidating a Juror/Witness (RCW      9A.72.110, 9A.72.130)
 Malicious placement of an imitation      device 2 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(b))
 Possession of Depictions of a Minor      Engaged in Sexually Explicit      Conduct (RCW 9.68A.070)
 Rape of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.44.079)
 Theft of a Firearm (RCW 9A.56.300)
 Unlawful Storage of Ammonia (RCW      69.55.020)
VAbandonment of Dependent Person 2      (RCW 9A.42.070)
 Advancing money or property for      extortionate extension of credit      (RCW 9A.82.030)
 Bail Jumping with class A Felony      (RCW 9A.76.170(3)(b))
 Child Molestation 3 (RCW 9A.44.089)
 Criminal Mistreatment 2 (RCW      9A.42.030)
 Custodial Sexual Misconduct 1 (RCW      9A.44.160)
 Domestic Violence Court Order      Violation (RCW 10.99.040,      10.99.050, 26.09.300, 26.10.220,      26.26.138, 26.50.110, 26.52.070,      or 74.34.145)
 Driving While Under the Influence      (RCW 46.61.502(6))
 Extortion 1 (RCW 9A.56.120)
 Extortionate Extension of Credit (RCW       9A.82.020)
 Extortionate Means to Collect      Extensions of Credit (RCW      9A.82.040)
 Incest 2 (RCW 9A.64.020(2))
 Kidnapping 2 (RCW 9A.40.030)
 Perjury 1 (RCW 9A.72.020)
 Persistent prison misbehavior (RCW      9.94.070)
 Physical Control of a Vehicle While      Under the Influence (RCW      46.61.504(6))
 Possession of a Stolen Firearm (RCW      9A.56.310)
 Rape 3 (RCW 9A.44.060)
 Rendering Criminal Assistance 1      (RCW 9A.76.070)
 Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 1      (RCW 9A.44.093)
 Sexually Violating Human Remains      (RCW 9A.44.105)
 Stalking (RCW 9A.46.110)
 Taking Motor Vehicle Without      Permission 1 (RCW 9A.56.070)
IVArson 2 (RCW 9A.48.030)
 Assault 2 (RCW 9A.36.021)
 Assault 3 (of a Peace Officer with a      Projectile Stun Gun) (RCW      9A.36.031(1)(h))
 Assault by Watercraft (RCW      79A.60.060)
 Bribing a Witness/Bribe Received by      Witness (RCW 9A.72.090,      9A.72.100)
 Cheating 1 (RCW 9.46.1961)
 Commercial Bribery (RCW 9A.68.060)
 Counterfeiting (RCW 9.16.035(4))
 Endangerment with a Controlled      Substance (RCW 9A.42.100)
 Escape 1 (RCW 9A.76.110)
 Hit and Run -- Injury (RCW      46.52.020(4)(b))
 Hit and Run with Vessel -- Injury      Accident (RCW 79A.60.200(3))
 Identity Theft 1 (RCW 9.35.020(2))
 Indecent Exposure to Person Under      Age Fourteen (subsequent sex      offense) (RCW 9A.88.010)
 Influencing Outcome of Sporting Event       (RCW 9A.82.070)
 Malicious Harassment (RCW      9A.36.080)
 Residential Burglary (RCW      9A.52.025)
 Robbery 2 (RCW 9A.56.210)
 Theft of Livestock 1 (RCW 9A.56.080)
 Threats to Bomb (RCW 9.61.160)
 Trafficking in Stolen Property 1 (RCW      9A.82.050)
 Unlawful factoring of a credit card or      payment card transaction (RCW      9A.56.290(4)(b))
 Unlawful transaction of health      coverage as a health care service      contractor (RCW 48.44.016(3))
 Unlawful transaction of health      coverage as a health maintenance      organization (RCW 48.46.033(3))
 Unlawful transaction of insurance      business (RCW 48.15.023(3))
 Unlicensed practice as an insurance      professional (RCW      48.17.063(((3))) (2))
 Use of Proceeds of Criminal      Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.080 (1)      and (2))
 Vehicular Assault, by being under the      influence of intoxicating liquor or      any drug, or by the operation or      driving of a vehicle in a reckless      manner (RCW 46.61.522)
 Viewing of Depictions of a Minor      Engaged in Sexually Explicit      Conduct (section 7 of this act)
 Willful Failure to Return from      Furlough (RCW 72.66.060)
IIIAnimal Cruelty 1 (Sexual Conduct or      Contact) (RCW 16.52.205(3))
 Assault 3 (Except Assault 3 of a Peace      Officer With a Projectile Stun      Gun) (RCW 9A.36.031 except      subsection (1)(h))
 Assault of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.36.140)
 Bail Jumping with class B or C Felony      (RCW 9A.76.170(3)(c))
 Burglary 2 (RCW 9A.52.030)
 Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor      (RCW 9.68A.100)
 Communication with a Minor for      Immoral Purposes (RCW      9.68A.090)
 Criminal Gang Intimidation (RCW      9A.46.120)
 Custodial Assault (RCW 9A.36.100)
 Cyberstalking (subsequent conviction      or threat of death) (RCW      9.61.260(3))
 Escape 2 (RCW 9A.76.120)
 Extortion 2 (RCW 9A.56.130)
 Harassment (RCW 9A.46.020)
 Intimidating a Public Servant (RCW      9A.76.180)
 Introducing Contraband 2 (RCW      9A.76.150)
 Malicious Injury to Railroad Property      (RCW 81.60.070)
 Mortgage Fraud (RCW 19.144.080)
 Negligently Causing Substantial Bodily       Harm By Use of a Signal      Preemption Device (RCW      46.37.674)
 Organized Retail Theft 1 (RCW      9A.56.350(2))
 Perjury 2 (RCW 9A.72.030)
 Possession of Incendiary Device (RCW       9.40.120)
 Possession of Machine Gun or Short-Barreled Shotgun or Rifle (RCW      9.41.190)
 Promoting Prostitution 2 (RCW      9A.88.080)
 Retail Theft with Extenuating      Circumstances 1 (RCW      9A.56.360(2))
 Securities Act violation (RCW      21.20.400)
 Tampering with a Witness (RCW      9A.72.120)
 Telephone Harassment (subsequent      conviction or threat of death)      (RCW 9.61.230(2))
 Theft of Livestock 2 (RCW 9A.56.083)
 Theft with the Intent to Resell 1 (RCW      9A.56.340(2))
 Trafficking in Stolen Property 2 (RCW      9A.82.055)
 Unlawful Imprisonment (RCW      9A.40.040)
 Unlawful possession of firearm in the      second degree (RCW 9.41.040(2))
 Vehicular Assault, by the operation or      driving of a vehicle with disregard      for the safety of others (RCW      46.61.522)
 Willful Failure to Return from Work      Release (RCW 72.65.070)
IIComputer Trespass 1 (RCW      9A.52.110)
 Counterfeiting (RCW 9.16.035(3))
 Escape from Community Custody      (RCW 72.09.310)
 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender      (second or subsequent offense)      (RCW 9A.44.130(11)(a))
 Health Care False Claims (RCW      48.80.030)
 Identity Theft 2 (RCW 9.35.020(3))
 Improperly Obtaining Financial      Information (RCW 9.35.010)
 Malicious Mischief 1 (RCW      9A.48.070)
 Organized Retail Theft 2 (RCW      9A.56.350(3))
 Possession of Stolen Property 1 (RCW      9A.56.150)
 Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (RCW      9A.56.068)
 Retail Theft with Extenuating      Circumstances 2 (RCW      9A.56.360(3))
 Theft 1 (RCW 9A.56.030)
 Theft of a Motor Vehicle (RCW      9A.56.065)
 Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (valued at one      thousand five hundred dollars or      more) (RCW 9A.56.096(5)(a))
 Theft with the Intent to Resell 2 (RCW      9A.56.340(3))
 Trafficking in Insurance Claims (RCW      48.30A.015)
 Unlawful factoring of a credit card or      payment card transaction (RCW      9A.56.290(4)(a))
 Unlawful Practice of Law (RCW      2.48.180)
 Unlicensed Practice of a Profession or      Business (RCW 18.130.190(7))
 Voyeurism (RCW 9A.44.115)
IAttempting to Elude a Pursuing Police      Vehicle (RCW 46.61.024)
 False Verification for Welfare (RCW      74.08.055)
 Forgery (RCW 9A.60.020)
 Fraudulent Creation or Revocation of a      Mental Health Advance Directive      (RCW 9A.60.060)
 Malicious Mischief 2 (RCW      9A.48.080)
 Mineral Trespass (RCW 78.44.330)
 Possession of Stolen Property 2 (RCW      9A.56.160)
 Reckless Burning 1 (RCW 9A.48.040)
 Taking Motor Vehicle Without      Permission 2 (RCW 9A.56.075)
 Theft 2 (RCW 9A.56.040)
 Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (valued at two      hundred fifty dollars or more but      less than one thousand five      hundred dollars) (RCW      9A.56.096(5)(b))
 Transaction of insurance business      beyond the scope of licensure      (RCW 48.17.063(((4))))
 Unlawful Issuance of Checks or Drafts      (RCW 9A.56.060)
 Unlawful Possession of Fictitious      Identification (RCW 9A.56.320)
 Unlawful Possession of Instruments of      Financial Fraud (RCW 9A.56.320)
 Unlawful Possession of Payment      Instruments (RCW 9A.56.320)
 Unlawful Possession of a Personal      Identification Device (RCW      9A.56.320)
 Unlawful Production of Payment      Instruments (RCW 9A.56.320)
 Unlawful Trafficking in Food Stamps      (RCW 9.91.142)
 Unlawful Use of Food Stamps (RCW      9.91.144)
 Vehicle Prowl 1 (RCW 9A.52.095)

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