SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6201

              As Passed Senate, February 9, 2000

Title:  An act relating to penalties for the sale or gift of drug paraphernalia.

Brief Description:  Setting penalties for infractions involving drug paraphernalia.

Sponsors:  Senators Goings and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  1/24/2000, 1/28/2000 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/9/2000, 41-6.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Heavey, Chair; Kline, Vice Chair; Costa, Goings, Hargrove, Haugen, Johnson, Roach, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Staff:  Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background:  Every person who sells, gives, or permits to be sold or given to any person any drug paraphernalia commits a class I civil infraction.  The maximum penalty for a class I civil infraction is $250.

Summary of Bill:  The maximum monetary penalty for the sale or gift of drug paraphernalia is graduated depending upon the frequency of the violation.  A first infraction subjects the offender to a $250 monetary penalty.  The offender is penalized $500 for the second violation, $750 for a third violation, and $1,000 for each subsequent violation within a two-year period.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The present fine is viewed as a small risk and is added to the cost of doing business.  Businesses pay the fine and continue selling the same merchandise.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Wes Tucker, Sumner Police; Kennetu Board, Pierce County Sheriff=s Department.