SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6362
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 Reported By Senate Committee On:
Judiciary, February 05, 2008
Title: An act relating to the sentencing guidelines commission review of statutes of limitation regarding sex offenses in the Revised Code of Washington.
Brief Description: Ordering a review of statutes of limitation for sex offenses.
Sponsors: Senators Marr, Brandland, Hargrove, Weinstein, Kauffman, McCaslin, Carrell, Hobbs, Benton, Prentice, Swecker, Berkey, Haugen, Morton, Kilmer, Stevens, Honeyford, Sheldon, Delvin, Shin, Oemig, Kohl-Welles and Rasmussen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Judiciary: 2/05/08 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Tom, Vice Chair; McCaslin, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Hargrove, McDermott, Roach and Weinstein.
Staff: Robert Kay (786-7405)
Background: RCW 9.94A.850 lists various duties of the Sentencing Guidelines Commission, including periodic evaluation of standards and practices within the criminal justice system in Washington and periodic reporting to the Governor and Legislature of conclusions from its evaluations. There is no provision in RCW 9.04A.850 expressly directing the commission to periodically evaluate and report on the statutes of limitation for criminal offenses.
Summary of Bill: The Sentencing Guidelines Commission must review the existing statutes of limitations for all sex offenses for both civil and criminal proceedings and must report to the Legislature by December 31, 2008, regarding any recommendations for changes to existing statutes of limitation for such offenses and proceedings.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 4, 2008.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The existing language in the statutes of limitations regarding criminal prosecution of sex offenses appears unnecessarily confusing. There is a need for a review by the Sentencing Guidelines Commission of this language in order to streamline and clarify it. The Sentencing Guidelines Commission will review the statutes of limitations regarding criminal sex offenses and will determine internally the scope of its review of the statutes of limitations governing civil proceedings associated with sex offenses.
Persons Testifying: Senator Chris Marr, prime sponsor; Lonnie Johns-Brown, Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs; Jean Soliz-Conklin, Washington Sentencing Guidelines Commission.