SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6108

                            AS OF JANUARY 30, 1992

Brief Description:  Authorizing the attorney general to investigate and prosecute a crime upon the request of the victim.

SPONSORS: Senators Nelson, Rasmussen and Thorsness

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Susan Carlson (786‑7418)

Hearing Dates: February 3, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The county prosecuting attorneys have primary responsibility for the prosecution of criminal offenses.  The Attorney General has concurrent authority to prosecute but only upon the request or concurrence of the county prosecutor, the Governor, or a majority of the committee that oversees the organized crime intelligence unit. 

It has been suggested that if the county prosecuting attorney declines prosecution of a case, the victim should be able to request that the Attorney General consider prosecuting the case. 

SUMMARY:

A victim may request the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute his or her case if the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the offense occurred has declined prosecution. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 28, 1992