SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5132

                    AS OF JANUARY 25, 1993

Brief Description:  Increasing parents' liability for the acts of children.

SPONSORS: Senators Talmadge, A. Smith, Wojahn and Oke

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786‑7755)

Hearing Dates: January 27, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The parents of a child who willfully or maliciously destroys property or willfully and maliciously inflicts personal injury on another person are liable for damages up to $5,000 to the owner of the property or to the person injured. 

There is concern that the maximum of $5,000 is inadequate and does not sufficiently provide redress in situations where damage far exceeds the $5,000 maximum. 

SUMMARY:

Parents of a child who willfully or maliciously destroys property or willfully and maliciously inflicts personal injury on another are liable for damages up to $10,000 to the owner of the property or to the person injured.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested