HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

HB 1172

Title:An act relating to sex offender registration.

Brief Description:Concerning the failure to register as a sex offender.

Sponsors: Representatives D. Sommers and Sterk.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

Staff:Yvonne Walker (786-7841)

Background:A sex offender must register with the county sheriff within 24 hours of being released from confinement.  The offender must also notify the sheriff within ten days of changing his or her residential address. Sex offenders who move to Washington from another state or a foreign country must register within thirty days of establishing residence.

The crime of failing to register or notify the county sheriff in a timely fashion is either a Class C felony or a gross misdemeanor, depending on the seriousness of the offender=s sex offense.  The crime is a Class C felony if the underlying sex offense was a Class A felony, and is a gross misdemeanor for all other sex offenses.

Summary:The crime of failing to register as a sex offender or to notify the county sheriff in a timely fashion is made a Class C felony in all cases, regardless of the seriousness of underlying sex offense.

Require the Exercise of Rule- Making Powers:No

Fiscal Note: Received January 30, 1997.

Effective Date:Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.