BILL REQ. #:  H-0343.1 

Read first time 01/17/2005.   Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks.

     AN ACT Relating to the definition of the term "conviction" in chapter 77.15 RCW; and amending RCW 77.15.050.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 77.15.050 and 1998 c 190 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, as used in this chapter, "conviction" means a final conviction in a state or municipal court or an unvacated forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the defendant's appearance in court. A plea of guilty, or a finding of guilt for a violation of this title or rule of the commission or director constitutes a conviction regardless of whether the imposition of sentence is deferred or the penalty is suspended. "Conviction" also means an uncontested notice of infraction, a determination, judgment, or finding that an infraction has been committed, or a failure to appear after requesting a hearing to contest an infraction. The commission may, by rule, designate infractions that are not included within the definition of "conviction."