HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

HB 1389

Title:An act relating to the penalty for third degree theft.

Brief Description:Increasing penalties for repetitive third degree theft.

Sponsors: Representatives Chandler and Appelwick.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

Staff:Pat Shelledy (786-7149)

Background: A person is guilty of theft in the third degree if the person steals property or services that do not exceed two hundred and fifty dollars in value.

Theft in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor.  A gross misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail, a five thousand dollar fine, or both. 

A judge has discretion to sentence an adult offender to any period of confinement within the year sentencing period. 

County governments pay the cost of incarcerating offenders sentenced to jail supplemented by state criminal justice funding and state authorized taxing authority. 

Summary: A court must impose a minimum sentence of sixty days in jail if an offender is convicted of

theft in third degree three times within five years. 

Require the Exercise of Rule- Making Powers:  No

Fiscal Note:Requested January 28, 1997.

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