H-639 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL NO. 209
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State of Washington 49th Legislature 1985 Regular Session
By Representatives Wang, Lewis, Locke, West, Crane, Appelwick, Schoon, P. King, G. Nelson, Miller, Fisher, K. Wilson, Allen, Unsoeld, Armstrong, Dellwo, Tilly, Van Luven, Scott, Patrick, D. Nelson, Winsley, Bristow, R. King, Isaacson, Rust, Doty, Ebersole and Basich
Read first time 1/23/85 and referred to Committee on Judiciary.
AN ACT Relating to arson; and amending RCW 9A.48.010 and 9A.48.020.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Sec. 1. Section 9A.48.010, chapter 260, Laws of 1975 1st ex. sess. as amended by section 6, chapter 38, Laws of 1975-'76 2nd ex. sess. and RCW 9A.48.010 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) For the purpose of this chapter, as now or hereinafter amended, unless the context indicates otherwise:
(a) "Building" has the definition in RCW 9A.04.110(5), and where a building consists of two or more units separately secured or occupied, each unit shall not be treated as a separate building;
(b) "Damages", in addition to its ordinary meaning, includes any charring, scorching, burning, or breaking, or agricultural or industrial sabotage, and shall include any diminution in the value of any property as a consequence of an act;
(c) "Health care facility" means any building which is used for or associated with delivery of inpatient or outpatient health care services, including, but not limited to a hospital, clinic, diagnostic or treatment center, or any facility providing or designed to provide therapeutic, convalescent, or preventive health care services.
(2) To constitute arson it shall not be necessary that a person other than the actor should have had ownership in the building or structure damaged or set on fire.
Sec. 2. Section 9A.48.020, chapter 260, Laws of 1975 1st ex. sess. as amended by section 2, chapter 203, Laws of 1981 and RCW 9A.48.020 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) A person is guilty of arson in the first degree if he knowingly and maliciously:
(a) Causes a fire or explosion which is manifestly dangerous to any human life, including firemen; or
(b) Causes a fire or explosion which damages a dwelling; or
(c) Causes a fire or explosion in any building in which there shall be at the time a human being who is not a participant in the crime; or
(d) Causes a fire or explosion on property valued at ten thousand dollars or more with intent to collect insurance proceeds; or
(e) Causes a fire or explosion which damages a health care facility.