SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5388

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Judiciary, February 6, 2001

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

Brief Description:  Modifying penalties for the sale or gift of drug paraphernalia.

Sponsors:  Senators Kastama and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  1/30/01, 2/6/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Costa, Johnson, Kastama, Long, McCaslin, Roach and Zarelli.

Staff:  Aldo Melchiori (786‑7439)

Background:  It is a class I civil infraction to sell, give, or permit to be sold or given to any person any drug paraphernalia.  The penalty for a class I civil infraction is $250.

Summary of Bill:  Civil penalties for drug paraphernalia infractions increase for subsequent offenses.  A first offense subjects the person to a $250 penalty, a $500 penalty is imposed for a second offense within a two-year period,  a $750 penalty is imposed for a third offense within a two-year period, and a $1,000 for any subsequent offenses within the 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 fine is so low now that business owners treat it as a business expense.  The large markup on these items makes the fine irrelevant.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Wes Tucker, Sumner Police Department; Pricilla Lisicich, Governor's Council on Substance Abuse.