Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee

HB 2170


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: Protecting employees, contract staff, and volunteers of a law enforcement agency.

Sponsors: Representatives Ross, O'Brien, Pearson, Newhouse, Curtis, Rodne, McCune, Kelley, Eddy, Goodman, VanDeWege, Hurst, Simpson and Moeller.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Expands the offense of stalking, at the felony level, to include the stalking of employees and volunteers of a law enforcement agency.

Hearing Date: 2/21/07

Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).

Background:

A person is guilty of stalking if he or she, without lawful authority and under circumstances not amounting to a felony attempt of another crime:

Stalking is generally a gross misdemeanor. However, the crime is a seriousness level V, class C felony if:

Summary of Bill:

The offense of stalking, punishable at the felony level (as a seriousness level V, class C felony offense), is expanded to include when a person stalks another person and the stalker's victim is or was an employee, contract staff person, or volunteer of a law enforcement agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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