SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5781

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 1991

Brief Description:  Making the murder of a child age sixteen or younger a circumstance for aggravated murder.

SPONSORS:Senators L. Smith, Rasmussen, McCaslin, Sutherland, McDonald, Thorsness and Bauer.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Susan Carlson (786‑7418)

Hearing Dates:March 5, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The death penalty may be imposed if a person is found guilty of aggravated first degree murder.  A person is guilty of aggravated first degree murder if he or she commits first degree murder and one or more of the enumerated aggravating circumstances exist.  Aggravating circumstances include various classes of victims such as law enforcement officers and judges.  Because children are particularly defenseless against violent crimes, it is suggested that an additional aggravating circumstance should be enacted for child victims.

SUMMARY:

A person is guilty of aggravated first degree murder if he or she commits first degree murder and the victim was 16 years of age or younger. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested