Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry Committee
HB 1160
Brief Description: Concerning an aggravating circumstance for the mutilation or dismemberment of a human body.
Sponsors: Representatives Graham, Jacobsen, Walsh and Schmidt.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Makes mutilation or dismemberment an aggravating circumstance for purposes of felony sentencing.
Hearing Date: 1/16/23
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:

Generally, a person convicted of a felony is sentenced within a standard range determined by the person's criminal history and the seriousness level of the crime.  The person may be sentenced above the standard range, up to the statutory maximum for the crime, if "aggravating circumstances" are proven beyond reasonable doubt to a jury (or to the judge if a jury is waived).  Examples of aggravating circumstances include when the defendant acted with deliberate cruelty to the victim, the victim was vulnerable or incapable of resistance, or the defendant exhibited an egregious lack of remorse.
Summary of Bill:

It is an aggravating circumstance when, during the commission of the current offense, the defendant mutilated or dismembered a human body.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 10, 2023.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.