Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
HB 1537
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning state liquor control board enforcement officers.
Sponsors: Representatives Moscoso, Hudgins and Wylie; by request of Liquor Control Board.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/15
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) was formed in 1933 by the Steele Act to regulate the importation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcohol. The WSLCB Enforcement and Education Division is responsible for enforcing state liquor, tobacco and marijuana laws and regulations. The officers also provide alcohol education to liquor-licensed businesses, communities, and local law enforcement agencies.
Liquor and tobacco enforcement officers are limited-authority, commissioned law enforcement officers. Enforcement operations include: premises visits, compliance checks, undercover operations, and complaint investigations, while educational efforts include liquor law briefings, technical assistance visits, and "Responsible Alcohol and Tobacco Sales" classes. The WSLCB employs approximately 55 officers in the field. These officers have received roughly 440 hours of training at the Criminal Justice Training Commission or at an academy in the State of Idaho.
Limited Authority Agency. Limited authority Washington law enforcement agencies and officers have, as one of their functions, the apprehension or detection of persons committing infractions or violating traffic or specific criminal laws relating to limited subject areas. Agencies so designated include, but are not limited to: the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Social and Health Services, the Gambling Commission, the Department of Corrections, the State Parks and Recreation Commission, and the WSLCB.
"Mutual law enforcement assistance" includes, but is not limited to, one or more law enforcement agencies aiding or assisting one or more other such agencies through loans or exchanges of personnel or of material resources, for law enforcement purposes.
Summary of Bill:
Liquor enforcement officers have the authority to enforce the penal laws of the state (under the statutory chapters relating to Crimes and Punishments, the Washington Criminal Code, Motor Vehicles, and the Violation of the Uniform Substance Act), provided they are conducting their enforcement duties related to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, or by working in partnership with state or local law enforcement officers.
The definition of "mutual law enforcement assistance" is expanded to include law enforcement agencies providing aid or assistance of the WSLCB.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.