FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2163

                         C 211 L 91

                     Synopsis As Enacted

Brief Description:  Revoking licenses of persons who assault wildlife agents and other law enforcement officers.

By Representatives Orr, Rasmussen, Wineberry, Bray, Dorn, R. Meyers, Dellwo, R. King, Ferguson and Anderson.

House Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Background:  It is a misdemeanor to resist or obstruct wildlife agents in the discharge of their duties. It is also a crime to assault a wildlife agent or other law enforcement officer. 

Hunting licenses are revoked by the director of the Department of Wildlife for big game violations and for shooting another person or livestock while hunting.

Any violation of a wildlife law may be punished by the court by a license forfeiture.  Forfeiture is mandatory upon a second conviction.

Summary:  New game license revocation provisions are enacted.

The director of the Department of Wildlife is to revoke for 10 years any license or privilege obtained by a person under state game or game fish laws if the person is convicted of assault on a state wildlife agent or other law enforcement officer.  This revocation provision applies if the agent or officer was on duty at the time of the assault and was enforcing the provisions of Title 77 RCW.

Assault is defined as murder, manslaughter, or first, second, or third degree assault.  The 10 year period of revocation is tolled during any time that the person convicted of assault is incarcerated, or in community supervision or home detention for an offense under the act.  After 10 years not including the tolled period of time, a person may petition the director of the Department of Wildlife for a reinstatement of his or her license or privileges.  Upon review by the director, and if all provisions of the court that imposed sentencing have been completed, the director may reinstate licenses and privileges.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  95   3

Senate 38   8    (Senate amended)

House  91   2    (House concurred)

Effective:    July 28, 1991