HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

SSB 5005

Title:An act relating to sentencing for multiple violent crimes.

Brief Description:Concerning concurrent and consecutive sentencing for violent offenses.

Sponsors: Senators Long, Hargrove, McCaslin, Haugen, Zarelli, Johnson, Winsley, Goings, Rasmussen, Oke and Roach.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

Staff:Yvonne Walker (786-7841)

Background:  When a person is convicted of two or more current violent offenses, even if arising from separate and distinct acts of criminal conduct, the crimes are sentenced concurrently with each other.

When a person is convicted of two or more current serious violent offenses arising from separate and distinct criminal conduct, the crimes are sentenced consecutively to each other.

Summary:  When a person is convicted of two or more current violent offenses arising from separate and distinct criminal conduct, the crimes are sentenced consecutively to each other unless the person's sentence would be longer if he or she was sentenced concurrently.

Require the Exercise of Rule- Making Powers:  No.

Fiscal Note:  Received on March 26, 1997.

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