| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee | |
HB 1487
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.
Brief Description: Creating the crime of fraudulent pseudoephedrine procurement.
Sponsors: Representatives Campbell, Ericks, Green, P. Sullivan, McCune, Ormsby and Morrell.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/5/07
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
Driver's licenses and identification cards are a person's primary means of identification with
respect to commercial financial transactions related to banking, credit card use, check cashing,
loan acquisition, and even to purchase specific medicines (containing substances such as
pseudoephedrine) from various retailers.
Penalties for a False Identification: Generally it is a misdemeanor offense to possess or display a
forged or altered identification card or driver's license. It is a class C felony offense to:
Purchasing Pseudoephedrine: Pseudoephedrine is commonly used as a decongestant. The salts
pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and pseudoephedrine sulfate are often found in many
over-the-counter preparations either as single-ingredient preparations, or more commonly in
combination with antihistamines and ibuprofen. Consumers often refer to products containing
pseudoephedrine as "Sudafed," which is a trademark name for a common brand of
pseudoephedrine hydrochloride product known in North America.
In 2001, ESSB 5017 was enacted that required manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to
require proper identification from anyone purchasing pseudoephedrine and to keep a record of
such transaction. A violation to comply with the mandatory requirements is a misdemeanor
offense.
Summary of Bill:
A crime of fraudulent pseudoephedrine procurement is created. It is a seriousness level IV, class
C felony offense to knowingly procure or purchase pseudoephedrine or any of its salts, isomers,
or salts or isomers, with a false identification card of another person. A first-time offender would
receive a sentence of three to nine months in jail.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested January 26, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.