Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Judiciary Committee

HB 1090

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.

Title: An act relating to reauthorizing and expanding the financial fraud and identity theft crimes investigation and prosecution program.

Brief Description: Concerning the financial fraud and identity theft crimes investigation and prosecution program.

Sponsors: Representatives Kirby, Jinkins and Rodne; by request of Attorney General.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Extends the Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Crimes Investigation and Prosecution Program (Program) until 2020.

  • Increases surcharges dedicated to funding of the Program.

  • Expands the Central Puget Sound Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Task Force to include Snohomish County.

Hearing Date: 1/20/15

Staff: Edie Adams (786-7180).

Background:

The Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Crimes Investigation and Prosecution Program (Program) within the Department of Commerce was created in 2008 and is set to expire on July 1, 2015. The Program consists of two regional financial fraud and identity theft crime task forces: the Central Puget Sound Task Force that includes King and Pierce counties, and the Spokane County Task Force.

The task forces include representatives of local law enforcement agencies, county prosecutors, the Office of the Attorney General, financial institutions, and other law enforcement entities. The task forces employ law enforcement, investigation, and prosecutorial staff dedicated to investigating and prosecuting financial fraud and identity theft crimes, focusing on complex regional and multijurisdictional cases.

The Program is funded through surcharges on filings with the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Program within the Department of Licensing. The UCC Program files financing statements and other documents evidencing liens against personal property. The surcharges are $8 for paper filings and $3 for electronic filings. Revenues from these surcharges are deposited into the Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Investigation and Prosecution Program Account, which may be used only to support the activities of the task forces and the expenses of the Department of Commerce in administering the Program.

Summary of Bill:

The expiration date for the Program is extended to July 1, 2020. The Central Puget Sound Task Force is expanded to include Snohomish County.

Surcharges on UCC Program filings are increased from $8 to $10 for paper filings and from $3 to $10 for electronic filings.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2015.