SB 5868

HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5868

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:
March 4, 2008

Title: An act relating to defining civil disorder.

Brief Description: Defining civil disorder.

Sponsors: By Senators Kline, Jacobsen, Shin, Weinstein and Murray.

Brief History:

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness: 2/20/08, 2/25/08 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/4/08, 93-2.

Brief Summary of Bill

Expands the definition of "civil disorder" for purposes of Civil Disorder Training to include public disturbances involving acts of violence that are intended to cause an immediate danger of, or to result in, significant injury to the property of any other individual.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives O'Brien, Chair; Hurst, Vice Chair; Pearson, Ranking Minority Member; Ross, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Goodman and Kirby.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

A person is guilty of Civil Disorder Training (class B felony, seriousness level VII) if he or she:

teaches or demonstrates to any other person the use, application, or making of any device or technique capable of causing significant bodily injury or death to persons; and
knows, has reason to know, or intends that the device or technique will be unlawfully employed or for use in, or in furtherance of, a civil disorder.

"Civil Disorder" is defined as any public disturbance involving acts of violence that are intended to cause an immediate danger of, or to result in, significant injury to the person or any other individual.

Summary of Bill:

The definition of "civil disorder" for purposes of Civil Disorder Training is expanded to include public disturbances involving acts of violence that are intended to cause an immediate danger of, or to result in, significant injury to the property of any other individual.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill redefines civil disorder training. The current offense covers damage to persons, but there is a loophole for damage to property. This bill closes the loophole.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Senator Kline, prime sponsor; and David Cohen, Anti-Defamation League.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.