FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5298

C 174 L 09

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Removing the penalty language from natural resource civil infractions.

Sponsors: Senators Regala and Kline; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Background: A natural resource infraction is a non-criminal offense for which a fine may be imposed. Unless specifically authorized by statute, the fine for an infraction may not exceed $500. Natural resource infractions include offenses related to fish and wildlife, public lands, forests and forest products, mines, minerals and petroleum, and public recreational lands.

The notice of infraction represents a determination that an infraction has been committed. The determination is final unless contested. Procedures for contesting an infraction are provided by rule of the supreme court, and are included on the notice of infraction.

The failure to sign a natural resource infraction notice is a misdemeanor.

Substitute House Bill 1650, which passed in 2006, repealed the signature requirement for many types of notice infractions, including infractions related to motor vehicles and other civil infractions.

Summary: The designation of a failure to sign a natural resource infraction notice as a misdemeanor is repealed.

Votes on Final Passage:

Effective: July 26, 2009