Title: An act relating to possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Brief Description: Increasing the seriousness level for possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Sponsors: Senators Hargrove, Stevens, Doumit, McAuliffe, Regala, Rasmussen, Benton and Oke; by request of Attorney General.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/19/06.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff: Kiki Keizer (786-7430)

Background: It is a class C felony for a person to knowingly possess visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The seriousness of this offense is not ranked for purposes of sentencing. Sentences for unranked felonies may include up to 12 months in jail.

Persons convicted of knowingly possessing visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct are not eligible for the Special Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative (SSOSA). A sentence under the SSOSA consists of a suspended standard range sentence, incarceration for up to 12 months, treatment for up to five years, and a term of community custody.

Summary of Bill: Persons who knowingly possess visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct may qualify for the SSOSA, provided they meet other eligibility criteria.

For purposes of sentencing, the seriousness level of the crime of knowingly possessing visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct is set at Level VI.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested for Companion HB 2702 on January 12, 2006.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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