HB 2746

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee

HB 2746

Brief Description: Increasing the seriousness level for endangerment with a controlled substance.

Sponsors: Representatives Miloscia, O'Brien, Ericks and Simpson.

Brief Summary of Bill

Increases the penalty for the crime of endangerment with a controlled substance from a seriousness level IV to a seriousness level VI, class B felony offense.

Hearing Date: 1/24/06

Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).

Background:

The offense of endangerment with a controlled substance occurs when a person knowingly or intentionally permits a dependent child or dependent adult to be exposed to, ingest, inhale, or have contact with:

methamphetamine; or
ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or anhydrous ammonia, including their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers that are being used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Endangerment with a controlled substance is a seriousness level IV, class B felony. A person with no prior criminal history would receive a presumptive sentence range of three to nine months in jail.

Summary of Bill:

The penalty for the offense of endangerment with a controlled substance is increased to a seriousness level VI, class B felony offense. A person with no prior criminal history would receive a presumptive sentence range of 12 to 14 months in prison.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 13, 2006.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.