HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

E SSB 5033

Title:An act relating to possession of stolen checks or drafts.

Brief Description:Concerning the crime of possessing stolen property in the second degree.

Sponsors: Senator Roach

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

Staff:Yvonne Walker (786-7841)

Background: APossession@ of stolen credit cards or access devices issued in the names of two or more persons creates a presumption that the possessor had knowledge that the items were stolen. The possession of these stolen credit cards or access devices is theft in the third degree and is a gross misdemeanor.

ATheft@ of checks or drafts is theft in the third degree and is a gross misdemeanor.

Summary:  The Apossession@ of stolen checks or drafts issued in the accounts of two or more people creates a presumption that the possessor knows that they are stolen.  The possession of stolen checks or drafts is theft in the second degree, a level 1, class C felony.

The penalty for the Atheft@ of checks or drafts is also increased from a gross misdemeanor to a level 1, class C felony.

Require the Exercise of Rule- Making Powers:  No.

Fiscal Note:  Received on March 21, 1997.

Effective Date:  This bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.