SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5173

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 18, 1991

Brief Description:  Sentencing certain rapists to death.

SPONSORS:Senators Saling, Rasmussen, Metcalf, Stratton, Amondson, Anderson, Bauer, Barr, McCaslin, L. Smith, Cantu, Thorsness, Patterson, Vognild, Craswell, McDonald and Matson.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Jon Carlson (786‑7459)

Hearing Dates:February 20, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Rape in the first degree and rape of a child in the first degree are among the most offensive and emotionally damaging crimes in our society.  Persons who commit these crimes have a high probability of reoffending, and it is suggested that public safety will best be served by imposing the death penalty upon second offenders.

SUMMARY:

A person who commits rape in the first degree or rape of a child in the first degree must be sentenced to death if: 1) the person has been previously convicted of either rape in the first degree or rape of a child in the first degree, and 2) the person was 18 years of age or older at the time of both offenses.  

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested