FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5380

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.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators McCaslin and Marr).

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Background: Statutes of limitation provide fixed time periods during which actions may be brought on certain claims or various crimes may be prosecuted. Statutes of limitation force commencement of legal action on claims. The reasoning is that claims will be litigated while relevant evidence is still accessible and while necessary witnesses can still provide clear accountings of events.

The crimes of leading organized crime and use of proceeds of criminal profiteering may not be prosecuted more than six years after their commission.

Summary: A felony violation of the laws pertaining to the crimes of money laundering and identity theft may not be prosecuted more than six years after their commission or their discovery, whichever occurs later. The same statute of limitation applies to the crimes of theft in the first or second degree when accomplished by color or aid of deception.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	46	0
House	97	0