HB 1751

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee

HB 1751

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: Revising the penalty provisions for the crime of indecent exposure.

Sponsors: Representatives Eddy, McDonald, O'Brien, Pearson, Green, Simpson and Ormsby.

Brief Summary of Bill

Increases the punishment for Indecent Exposure when the perpetrator exposes himself or herself to a person under the age of 14 with sexual motivation.

Hearing Date: 2/15/07

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

A person commits Indecent Exposure if he or she intentionally makes any open and obscene exposure of his or her person, or the person of another, knowing that the conduct is likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm. Indecent Exposure is:

A class C felony if the perpetrator has a prior conviction for Indecent Exposure or a sex offense. The felony is ranked at seriousness level IV if the victim was under 14 and the offense is a "subsequent sex offense." The felony is unranked in all other circumstances;
A gross misdemeanor on the first offense if the perpetrator exposes himself or herself to a child under 14; and
A misdemeanor in all other circumstances.

Summary of Bill:

The penalty for Indecent Exposure is increased to a class C felony with a seriousness level of VI if the victim was under the age of 14 at the time of the offense and the offense was committed with sexual motivation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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