SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5349

As of January 26, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the Washington national guard.

Brief Description:  Designating the Washington national guard's counterdrug task force as a law enforcement agency for the purposes of participating in the federal asset forfeiture program.

Sponsors:  Senators Rossi, Patterson, Horn, Constantine, Hargrove, T. Sheldon , Haugen and Oke; by request of Military Department.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  1/29/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Aaron Jennings (786‑7445)

Background:  When a state or local law enforcement agency participates in a successful federal drug investigation, the agency is eligible to receive a proportional share of any forfeited drug money or property based upon the extent to which the agency participated in the drug investigation.

The Washington National Guard Counterdrug Task Force works with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to enforce federal drug laws and investigate drug cases.  Because the Washington National Guard is not recognized as a law enforcement agency for any purpose, it is ineligible to receive any federal forfeiture proceeds.

Summary of Bill:  The Washington National Guard is recognized as a law enforcement agency for the limited and specific purpose of receiving a proportional share of forfeited drug money or property  under the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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