Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Public Safety Committee

HB 1806

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: Increasing monetary penalties for crimes committed by corporations.

Sponsors: Representatives Pellicciotti, Lovick, Dolan, Goodman, Stanford, Riccelli, Ryu, Bergquist, Kilduff, Pollet, Sells, Orwall, Robinson, Stonier, Macri, Clibborn, Pettigrew, Chapman, Gregerson, McBride, Tharinger, Fitzgibbon, Wylie, Sawyer, Appleton, Doglio, Hudgins, Farrell, Ormsby, Senn, Fey, Frame and Jinkins.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases the maximum fines for crimes committed by corporations.

Hearing Date: 2/13/17

Staff: Kelly Leonard (786-7147).

Background:

Classification of Crimes. Crimes are classified as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies. The classification of a crime generally determines the maximum term of confinement (prison or jail) and/or fine for an offense. For each classification, the maximum terms of confinement and maximum fines are as follows:

Classification

Maximum Confinement

Maximum Fine

Misdemeanor

90 days

$1,000

Gross Misdemeanor

364 days

$5,000

Class C Felony

5 years

$10,000

Class B Felony

10 years

$20,000

Class A Felony

Life

$50,000

When someone is convicted of a felony, the Sentencing Reform Act applies and determines a specific range of confinement for the offender within the statutory maximum.

Crimes Committed by Corporations. Other maximum fines are established for corporations convicted of crimes in some circumstances. If a prescribed penalty is incapable of execution or enforcement against a corporation, the maximum fines are as follows:

Classification

Maximum Fine

Misdemeanor

$500

Gross Misdemeanor

$1,000

Felony

$10,000

Summary of Bill:

The maximum fines established for corporations convicted of offenses are modified. When a corporation is convicted of any criminal offense, the maximum fines are as follows:

Classification

Maximum Fine

Misdemeanor

$50,000

Gross Misdemeanor

$250,000

Class C Felony

$750,000

Class A or B Felony

$1,000,000

However, if a special fine for a corporation is expressly specified for an offense, then the special fine applies.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 10, 2017.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.