Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee

HB 2616

Brief Description:  Expanding liquor control board authority.

Sponsors:  Representative Linville.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Allows liquor enforcement officers to enforce all criminal laws under certain circumstances.

Hearing Date:  2/6/02

Staff:  Jim Morishima (786‑7191).

Background:

A variety of crimes exist with regard to alcoholic beverages.  For example, it is unlawful to sell liquor to a person under 21 years of age.  Selling liquor to a minor is a gross misdemeanor.  Likewise, it is unlawful for a person under 21 to possess, consume, or acquire liquor.  Possession, consumption, or acquisition of alcohol by a person under 21 is also a gross misdemeanor.

All county and municipal peace officers have the duty to investigate and prosecute all violations of liquor related crimes.  In addition, the Liquor Control Board may appoint liquor enforcement officers.  Liquor enforcement officers have the power to enforce the laws relating to liquor and to arrest persons without a warrant caught violating such laws.

Summary of Bill:

A liquor enforcement officer may enforce any criminal law of the state if:

$The violation occurs in the presence of the officer acting within the scope of his or her duties; and

$The liquor enforcement officer has completed:  1) the basic law enforcement academy course sponsored by the Criminal Justice Training Commission or 2) a course approved by the Liquor Control Board and the Criminal Justice Training Commission, given by the board or the commission.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 30, 2002.

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