FINAL BILL REPORT

                                   2SSB 5882

                                  C 345 L 91

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Creating a drug asset forfeiture and criminal profiteering unit in the attorney general's office.

SPONSORS:Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Pelz, McCaslin, Johnson, Madsen, Moore and Owen).

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & INSURANCE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & INSURANCE

BACKGROUND:

Current efforts at drug law and criminal profiteering law enforcement can include seizing assets.  The typical legal vehicles used are the federal laws, the state criminal profiteering act or RICO.  Specialized legal expertise is required to investigate and prosecute these cases, which are expensive and time consuming.  The Attorney General currently funds its efforts through a short-term grant.

In most other states, assets seized or forfeited under criminal profiteering and narcotics law enforcement are deposited into revolving funds.  Prosecution and investigative costs are also deposited.  These funds are then used to underwrite further investigations and prosecutions.  Washington does not have such an account.

SUMMARY:

The Attorney General is authorized to assist local governments and state agencies with investigation and prosecution of criminal profiteering cases, with a special emphasis on narcotics cases.  Provisions are made for the distribution of proceeds.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      47    0

House 98    0     (House amended)

Senate      44    0     (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:  July 28, 1991