SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5441

                        AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 7, 1991

Brief Description:  Amending bookmaking provisions.

SPONSORS:Senators Rasmussen, Nelson, Hayner and Johnson.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Nelson, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; Erwin, Hayner, L. Kreidler, Madsen, Newhouse, Rasmussen, and A. Smith. 

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786‑7428)

Hearing Dates:February 13, 1991; February 15, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Professional gambling is a crime under Chapter 9.46 RCW punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than five years.  It has been suggested that bringing the crime of professional gambling and other gambling offenses in line with the classification of crimes under Chapter 9A.20 RCW would offer prosecutors greater flexibility and provide more equitable sentencing opportunities.

SUMMARY:

Professional gambling is prohibited.  Professional gambling in the first degree is a class B felony.  Professional gambling in the second degree is a class C felony.  Professional gambling in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor.  Gambling offenses are subject to the penalties set out in RCW 9A.20.021.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Greater flexibility will be allowed in prosecuting gambling violations.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Randee Kerns, WA State Gambling Commission (pro); Randy Hamilton, WA Assoc. of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (pro)