SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2070

                     As of March 26, 1997

Title:  An act relating to arrests without warrant.

Brief Description:  Regulating arrests without warrant for traffic and boating offenses.

Sponsors:  Representatives Wensman, B. Thomas and Sheahan.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  3/31/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Mychal Schwartz (786-7444)

Background:  Under existing law, a law enforcement officer may act upon the request of another law enforcement officer in whose presence a traffic infraction was committed, to stop, detain, arrest, or issue a notice of infraction to the driver who is believed to have committed the infraction.

Existing law applies only to infractions enumerated in Title 46 RCW.

Summary of Bill:  A law enforcement officer may act upon the request of another law enforcement officer in whose presence a traffic or boating offense was committed, to stop, detain, arrest, or issue a citation or notice of infraction to the person who is believed to have committed the offense.

Traffic offenses are all gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and infractions under Title 46 RCW or equivalent local law.

Boating offenses are all gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and infractions under Chapter 88.12 RCW or equivalent local law involving the operation of a vessel.

Law enforcement officers include all general authority, limited authority, specially commissioned Washington peace officers, and federal peace officers, as defined in RCW 10.93.020.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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