Title: An act relating to clarifying the ability of Washington state patrol officers to engage in private law enforcement off-duty employment in plainclothes for private benefit.

Brief Description: Clarifying the ability of Washington state patrol officers to engage in private law enforcement off-duty employment in plainclothes for private benefit.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Pearson, Morrell, Lantz, Lovick, Wood, McCune, Wallace and Condotta.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/05, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/28/05 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel and Weinstein.

Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)

Background: Under current law, no state employee or officer may use any person, money, or property under his or her official control or direction for private benefit or gain. However, Washington State Patrol officers may engage in private law enforcement off-duty employment for benefit, if in uniform and subject to guidelines adopted by the chief of the state patrol. The use of uniforms is considered a de minimus use of state property.

Summary of Bill: Washington State Patrol officers may also engage in private law enforcement off-duty employment in plain clothes, under guidelines adopted by the chief of the state patrol.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: None.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: No one.