BILL REQ. #:  Z-0274.1 



_____________________________________________ 

SENATE BILL 5060
_____________________________________________
State of Washington62nd Legislature2011 Regular Session

By Senators Carrell, King, Litzow, Honeyford, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Shin, Pflug, Holmquist Newbry, and Roach; by request of Attorney General

Read first time 01/12/11.   Referred to Committee on Judiciary.



     AN ACT Relating to mail theft; amending RCW 9A.56.010; reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.515; adding new sections to chapter 9A.56 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   It is important to the citizens of this state to have confidence in the security of the mail. Mail contains personal information, medical records, and financial documents. Theft of mail has become a serious problem in our state because mail is a key source of information for identity thieves. Currently, there is no law that adequately addresses the seriousness of this crime. This act is intended to accurately recognize the seriousness of taking personal, medical, or financial identifying information and compromising the integrity of our mail system.

Sec. 2   RCW 9A.56.010 and 2006 c 277 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     The following definitions are applicable in this chapter unless the context otherwise requires:
     (1) "Access device" means any card, plate, code, account number, or other means of account access that can be used alone or in conjunction with another access device to obtain money, goods, services, or anything else of value, or that can be used to initiate a transfer of funds, other than a transfer originated solely by paper instrument;
     (2) "Appropriate lost or misdelivered property or services" means obtaining or exerting control over the property or services of another which the actor knows to have been lost or mislaid, or to have been delivered under a mistake as to identity of the recipient or as to the nature or amount of the property;
     (3) "Beverage crate" means a plastic or metal box-like container used by a manufacturer or distributor in the transportation or distribution of individually packaged beverages to retail outlets, and affixed with language stating "property of . . . . .," "owned by . . . . .," or other markings or words identifying ownership;
     (4) "By color or aid of deception" means that the deception operated to bring about the obtaining of the property or services; it is not necessary that deception be the sole means of obtaining the property or services;
     (5) "Deception" occurs when an actor knowingly:
     (a) Creates or confirms another's false impression which the actor knows to be false; or
     (b) Fails to correct another's impression which the actor previously has created or confirmed; or
     (c) Prevents another from acquiring information material to the disposition of the property involved; or
     (d) Transfers or encumbers property without disclosing a lien, adverse claim, or other legal impediment to the enjoyment of the property, whether that impediment is or is not valid, or is or is not a matter of official record; or
     (e) Promises performance which the actor does not intend to perform or knows will not be performed;
     (6) "Deprive" in addition to its common meaning means to make unauthorized use or an unauthorized copy of records, information, data, trade secrets, or computer programs;
     (7) "Mail," in addition to its common meaning, means any letter, postal card, package, magazine or commercial publication, bag, or other item that is addressed to a specific address for delivery by the United States postal service or any commercial carrier performing the function of delivering similar items to residences or businesses, provided the mail:
     (a) Has been left for collection or delivery in any letter box, mail box, mail receptacle, or other authorized depository for mail, or given to a mail carrier, or left with any private business that provides mail boxes or mail addresses for customers or when left in a similar location for collection or delivery by any commercial carrier; or
     (b) Is in transit with a postal service, mail carrier, letter carrier, commercial carrier, or that is at or in a postal vehicle, postal station, mail box, postal airplane, transit station, or similar location of a commercial carrier; or
     (c) Has been delivered to the intended address, but has not been received by the intended addressee;
     (8) "Mail box," in addition to its common meaning, means any authorized depository or receptacle of mail for the United States postal service or authorized depository for a commercial carrier that provides services to the general public, including any address to which mail is or can be addressed, or a place where the United States postal service or equivalent commercial carrier delivers mail to its addressee;
     (9)
"Merchandise pallet" means a wood or plastic carrier designed and manufactured as an item on which products can be placed before or during transport to retail outlets, manufacturers, or contractors, and affixed with language stating "property of . . .," "owned by . . .," or other markings or words identifying ownership;
     (((8))) (10) "Obtain control over" in addition to its common meaning, means:
     (a) In relation to property, to bring about a transfer or purported transfer to the obtainer or another of a legally recognized interest in the property; or
     (b) In relation to labor or service, to secure performance thereof for the benefits of the obtainer or another;
     (((9))) (11) "Owner" means a person, other than the actor, who has possession of or any other interest in the property or services involved, and without whose consent the actor has no authority to exert control over the property or services;
     (((10))) (12) "Parking area" means a parking lot or other property provided by retailers for use by a customer for parking an automobile or other vehicle;
     (((11))) (13) "Receive" includes, but is not limited to, acquiring title, possession, control, or a security interest, or any other interest in the property;
     (((12))) (14) "Received by the intended addressee" means that the addressee, owner of the delivery mail box, or authorized agent has removed the delivered mail from its delivery mail box;
     (15)
"Services" includes, but is not limited to, labor, professional services, transportation services, electronic computer services, the supplying of hotel accommodations, restaurant services, entertainment, the supplying of equipment for use, and the supplying of commodities of a public utility nature such as gas, electricity, steam, and water;
     (((13))) (16) "Shopping cart" means a basket mounted on wheels or similar container generally used in a retail establishment by a customer for the purpose of transporting goods of any kind;
     (((14))) (17) "Stolen" means obtained by theft, robbery, or extortion;
     (((15))) (18) "Subscription television service" means cable or encrypted video and related audio and data services intended for viewing on a home television by authorized members of the public only, who have agreed to pay a fee for the service. Subscription services include but are not limited to those video services presently delivered by coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, terrestrial microwave, television broadcast, and satellite transmission;
     (((16))) (19) "Telecommunication device" means (a) any type of instrument, device, machine, or equipment that is capable of transmitting or receiving telephonic or electronic communications; or (b) any part of such an instrument, device, machine, or equipment, or any computer circuit, computer chip, electronic mechanism, or other component, that is capable of facilitating the transmission or reception of telephonic or electronic communications;
     (((17))) (20) "Telecommunication service" includes any service other than subscription television service provided for a charge or compensation to facilitate the transmission, transfer, or reception of a telephonic communication or an electronic communication;
     (((18))) (21) Value. (a) "Value" means the market value of the property or services at the time and in the approximate area of the criminal act.
     (b) Whether or not they have been issued or delivered, written instruments, except those having a readily ascertained market value, shall be evaluated as follows:
     (i) The value of an instrument constituting an evidence of debt, such as a check, draft, or promissory note, shall be deemed the amount due or collectible thereon or thereby, that figure ordinarily being the face amount of the indebtedness less any portion thereof which has been satisfied;
     (ii) The value of a ticket or equivalent instrument which evidences a right to receive transportation, entertainment, or other service shall be deemed the price stated thereon, if any; and if no price is stated thereon, the value shall be deemed the price of such ticket or equivalent instrument which the issuer charged the general public;
     (iii) The value of any other instrument that creates, releases, discharges, or otherwise affects any valuable legal right, privilege, or obligation shall be deemed the greatest amount of economic loss which the owner of the instrument might reasonably suffer by virtue of the loss of the instrument.
     (c) Except as provided in RCW 9A.56.340(4) and 9A.56.350(4), whenever any series of transactions which constitute theft, would, when considered separately, constitute theft in the third degree because of value, and said series of transactions are a part of a criminal episode or a common scheme or plan, then the transactions may be aggregated in one count and the sum of the value of all said transactions shall be the value considered in determining the degree of theft involved.
     For purposes of this subsection, "criminal episode" means a series of thefts committed by the same person from one or more mercantile establishments on three or more occasions within a five-day period.
     (d) Whenever any person is charged with possessing stolen property and such person has unlawfully in his possession at the same time the stolen property of more than one person, then the stolen property possessed may be aggregated in one count and the sum of the value of all said stolen property shall be the value considered in determining the degree of theft involved. Thefts committed by the same person in different counties that have been aggregated in one county may be prosecuted in any county in which one of the thefts occurred.
     (e) Property or services having value that cannot be ascertained pursuant to the standards set forth above shall be deemed to be of a value not exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars;
     (((19))) (22) "Wrongfully obtains" or "exerts unauthorized control" means:
     (a) To take the property or services of another;
     (b) Having any property or services in one's possession, custody or control as bailee, factor, lessee, pledgee, renter, servant, attorney, agent, employee, trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, or officer of any person, estate, association, or corporation, or as a public officer, or person authorized by agreement or competent authority to take or hold such possession, custody, or control, to secrete, withhold, or appropriate the same to his or her own use or to the use of any person other than the true owner or person entitled thereto; or
     (c) Having any property or services in one's possession, custody, or control as partner, to secrete, withhold, or appropriate the same to his or her use or to the use of any person other than the true owner or person entitled thereto, where the use is unauthorized by the partnership agreement.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 9A.56 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) A person is guilty of theft of mail if he or she commits theft of mail.
     (2) Each item of mail stolen constitutes a separate and distinct crime and may be punished accordingly.
     (3) Theft of mail is a class C felony.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 9A.56 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) A person is guilty of possession of stolen mail if he or she possesses stolen mail.
     (2) "Possesses stolen mail" means to knowingly receive, retain, possess, conceal, or dispose of stolen mail knowing that it has been stolen, and to withhold or appropriate to the use of any person other than the true owner, or the person to whom the mail is addressed.
     (3) The fact that the person who stole the mail has not been convicted, apprehended, or identified is not a defense to the charge of possessing stolen mail.
     (4) Each item of stolen mail possessed constitutes a separate and distinct crime and may be punished accordingly.
     (5) Possession of stolen mail is a class C felony.

Sec. 5   RCW 9.94A.515 and 2010 c 289 s 11 and 2010 c 227 s 9 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     

 TABLE 2
 CRIMES INCLUDED WITHIN EACH SERIOUSNESS LEVEL
XVIAggravated Murder 1 (RCW      10.95.020)
XVHomicide by abuse (RCW 9A.32.055)
 Malicious explosion 1 (RCW      70.74.280(1))
 Murder 1 (RCW 9A.32.030)
XIVMurder 2 (RCW 9A.32.050)
 Trafficking 1 (RCW 9A.40.100(1))
XIIIMalicious explosion 2 (RCW      70.74.280(2))
 Malicious placement of an explosive 1      (RCW 70.74.270(1))
XIIAssault 1 (RCW 9A.36.011)
 Assault of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.36.120)
 Malicious placement of an imitation      device 1 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(a))
 Promoting Commercial Sexual Abuse      of a Minor (RCW 9.68A.101)
 Rape 1 (RCW 9A.44.040)
 Rape of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.44.073)
 Trafficking 2 (RCW 9A.40.100(2))
XIManslaughter 1 (RCW 9A.32.060)
 Rape 2 (RCW 9A.44.050)
 Rape of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.44.076)
XChild Molestation 1 (RCW 9A.44.083)
 Criminal Mistreatment 1 (RCW 9A.42.020)
 Indecent Liberties (with forcible      compulsion) (RCW      9A.44.100(1)(a))
 Kidnapping 1 (RCW 9A.40.020)
 Leading Organized Crime (RCW      9A.82.060(1)(a))
 Malicious explosion 3 (RCW      70.74.280(3))
 Sexually Violent Predator Escape      (RCW 9A.76.115)
IXAbandonment of Dependent Person 1      (RCW 9A.42.060)
 Assault of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.36.130)
 Explosive devices prohibited (RCW      70.74.180)
 Hit and Run--Death (RCW      46.52.020(4)(a))
 Homicide by Watercraft, by being      under the influence of intoxicating      liquor or any drug (RCW      79A.60.050)
 Inciting Criminal Profiteering (RCW      9A.82.060(1)(b))
 Malicious placement of an explosive 2      (RCW 70.74.270(2))
 Robbery 1 (RCW 9A.56.200)
 Sexual Exploitation (RCW 9.68A.040)
 Vehicular Homicide, by being under      the influence of intoxicating liquor      or any drug (RCW 46.61.520)
VIIIArson 1 (RCW 9A.48.020)
 Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor      (RCW 9.68A.100)
 Homicide by Watercraft, by the      operation of any vessel in a      reckless manner (RCW      79A.60.050)
 Manslaughter 2 (RCW 9A.32.070)
 Promoting Prostitution 1 (RCW      9A.88.070)
 Theft of Ammonia (RCW 69.55.010)
 Vehicular Homicide, by the operation      of any vehicle in a reckless manner       (RCW 46.61.520)
VIIBurglary 1 (RCW 9A.52.020)
 Child Molestation 2 (RCW 9A.44.086)
 Civil Disorder Training (RCW      9A.48.120)
 Dealing in depictions of minor engaged      in sexually explicit conduct 1      (RCW 9.68A.050(1))
 Drive-by Shooting (RCW 9A.36.045)
 Homicide by Watercraft, by disregard      for the safety of others (RCW      79A.60.050)
 Indecent Liberties (without forcible      compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1)      (b) and (c))
 Introducing Contraband 1 (RCW      9A.76.140)
 Malicious placement of an explosive 3      (RCW 70.74.270(3))
 Negligently Causing Death By Use of a      Signal Preemption Device (RCW      46.37.675)
 Sending, bringing into state depictions      of minor engaged in sexually      explicit conduct 1 (RCW      9.68A.060(1))
 Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in      the first degree (RCW 9.41.040(1))
 Use of a Machine Gun in Commission      of a Felony (RCW 9.41.225)
 Vehicular Homicide, by disregard for      the safety of others (RCW      46.61.520)
VIBail Jumping with Murder 1 (RCW      9A.76.170(3)(a))
 Bribery (RCW 9A.68.010)
 Incest 1 (RCW 9A.64.020(1))
 Intimidating a Judge (RCW 9A.72.160)
 Intimidating a Juror/Witness (RCW      9A.72.110, 9A.72.130)
 Malicious placement of an imitation      device 2 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(b))
 Possession of Depictions of a Minor      Engaged in Sexually Explicit      Conduct 1 (RCW 9.68A.070(1))
 Rape of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.44.079)
 Theft of a Firearm (RCW 9A.56.300)
 Unlawful Storage of Ammonia (RCW      69.55.020)
VAbandonment of Dependent Person 2      (RCW 9A.42.070)
 Advancing money or property for      extortionate extension of credit      (RCW 9A.82.030)
 Bail Jumping with class A Felony      (RCW 9A.76.170(3)(b))
 Child Molestation 3 (RCW 9A.44.089)
 Criminal Mistreatment 2 (RCW      9A.42.030)
 Custodial Sexual Misconduct 1 (RCW      9A.44.160)
 Dealing in Depictions of Minor      Engaged in Sexually Explicit      Conduct 2 (RCW 9.68A.050(2))
 Domestic Violence Court Order      Violation (RCW 10.99.040,      10.99.050, 26.09.300, 26.10.220,      26.26.138, 26.50.110, 26.52.070,      or 74.34.145)
 Driving While Under the Influence      (RCW 46.61.502(6))
 Extortion 1 (RCW 9A.56.120)
 Extortionate Extension of Credit (RCW      9A.82.020)
 Extortionate Means to Collect      Extensions of Credit (RCW      9A.82.040)
 Incest 2 (RCW 9A.64.020(2))
 Kidnapping 2 (RCW 9A.40.030)
 Perjury 1 (RCW 9A.72.020)
 Persistent prison misbehavior (RCW      9.94.070)
 Physical Control of a Vehicle While      Under the Influence (RCW      46.61.504(6))
 Possession of a Stolen Firearm (RCW      9A.56.310)
 Rape 3 (RCW 9A.44.060)
 Rendering Criminal Assistance 1      (RCW 9A.76.070)
 Sending, Bringing into State Depictions      of Minor Engaged in Sexually      Explicit Conduct 2 (RCW      9.68A.060(2))
 Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 1      (RCW 9A.44.093)
 Sexually Violating Human Remains      (RCW 9A.44.105)
 Stalking (RCW 9A.46.110)
 Taking Motor Vehicle Without      Permission 1 (RCW 9A.56.070)
IVArson 2 (RCW 9A.48.030)
 Assault 2 (RCW 9A.36.021)
 Assault 3 (of a Peace Officer with a      Projectile Stun Gun) (RCW      9A.36.031(1)(h))
 Assault by Watercraft (RCW      79A.60.060)
 Bribing a Witness/Bribe Received by      Witness (RCW 9A.72.090,      9A.72.100)
 Cheating 1 (RCW 9.46.1961)
 Commercial Bribery (RCW 9A.68.060)
 Counterfeiting (RCW 9.16.035(4))
 Endangerment with a Controlled      Substance (RCW 9A.42.100)
 Escape 1 (RCW 9A.76.110)
 Hit and Run -- Injury (RCW      46.52.020(4)(b))
 Hit and Run with Vessel -- Injury      Accident (RCW 79A.60.200(3))
 Identity Theft 1 (RCW 9.35.020(2))
 Indecent Exposure to Person Under      Age Fourteen (subsequent sex      offense) (RCW 9A.88.010)
 Influencing Outcome of Sporting Event      (RCW 9A.82.070)
 Malicious Harassment (RCW      9A.36.080)
 Possession of Depictions of a Minor      Engaged in Sexually Explicit      Conduct 2 (RCW ((9.68[A].070))      9.68A.070(2))
 Residential Burglary (RCW      9A.52.025)
 Robbery 2 (RCW 9A.56.210)
 Theft of Livestock 1 (RCW 9A.56.080)
 Threats to Bomb (RCW 9.61.160)
 Trafficking in Stolen Property 1 (RCW      9A.82.050)
 Unlawful factoring of a credit card or      payment card transaction (RCW      9A.56.290(4)(b))
 Unlawful transaction of health      coverage as a health care service      contractor (RCW 48.44.016(3))
 Unlawful transaction of health      coverage as a health maintenance      organization (RCW 48.46.033(3))
 Unlawful transaction of insurance      business (RCW 48.15.023(3))
 Unlicensed practice as an insurance      professional (RCW 48.17.063(2))
 Use of Proceeds of Criminal      Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.080 (1)      and (2))
 Vehicular Assault, by being under the      influence of intoxicating liquor or      any drug, or by the operation or      driving of a vehicle in a reckless      manner (RCW 46.61.522)
 Viewing of Depictions of a Minor      Engaged in Sexually Explicit      Conduct 1 (RCW 9.68A.075(1))
 Willful Failure to Return from      Furlough (RCW 72.66.060)
IIIAnimal Cruelty 1 (Sexual Conduct or      Contact) (RCW 16.52.205(3))
 Assault 3 (Except Assault 3 of a Peace      Officer With a Projectile Stun      Gun) (RCW 9A.36.031 except      subsection (1)(h))
 Assault of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.36.140)
 Bail Jumping with class B or C Felony       (RCW 9A.76.170(3)(c))
 Burglary 2 (RCW 9A.52.030)
 Communication with a Minor for      Immoral Purposes (RCW      9.68A.090)
 Criminal Gang Intimidation (RCW      9A.46.120)
 Custodial Assault (RCW 9A.36.100)
 Cyberstalking (subsequent conviction      or threat of death) (RCW      9.61.260(3))
 Escape 2 (RCW 9A.76.120)
 Extortion 2 (RCW 9A.56.130)
 Harassment (RCW 9A.46.020)
 Intimidating a Public Servant (RCW      9A.76.180)
 Introducing Contraband 2 (RCW      9A.76.150)
 Malicious Injury to Railroad Property      (RCW 81.60.070)
 Mortgage Fraud (RCW 19.144.080)
 Negligently Causing Substantial Bodily      Harm By Use of a Signal      Preemption Device (RCW      46.37.674)
 Organized Retail Theft 1 (RCW      9A.56.350(2))
 Perjury 2 (RCW 9A.72.030)
 Possession of Incendiary Device (RCW       9.40.120)
 Possession of Machine Gun or Short-Barreled Shotgun or Rifle (RCW      9.41.190)
 Promoting Prostitution 2 (RCW      9A.88.080)
 Retail Theft with Extenuating      Circumstances 1 (RCW      9A.56.360(2))
 Securities Act violation (RCW      21.20.400)
 Tampering with a Witness (RCW      9A.72.120)
 Telephone Harassment (subsequent      conviction or threat of death)      (RCW 9.61.230(2))
 Theft of Livestock 2 (RCW 9A.56.083)
 Theft with the Intent to Resell 1 (RCW      9A.56.340(2))
 Trafficking in Stolen Property 2 (RCW      9A.82.055)
 Unlawful Imprisonment (RCW      9A.40.040)
 Unlawful possession of firearm in the      second degree (RCW 9.41.040(2))
 Vehicular Assault, by the operation or      driving of a vehicle with disregard      for the safety of others (RCW      46.61.522)
 Willful Failure to Return from Work      Release (RCW 72.65.070)
IIComputer Trespass 1 (RCW      9A.52.110)
 Counterfeiting (RCW 9.16.035(3))
 Escape from Community Custody      (RCW 72.09.310)
 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender      (second or subsequent offense)      (RCW 9A.44.130(11)(a))
 Health Care False Claims (RCW      48.80.030)
 Identity Theft 2 (RCW 9.35.020(3))
 Improperly Obtaining Financial      Information (RCW 9.35.010)
 Malicious Mischief 1 (RCW      9A.48.070)
 Organized Retail Theft 2 (RCW      9A.56.350(3))
 Possession of Stolen Mail (section 4 of this act)
 Possession of Stolen Property 1 (RCW      9A.56.150)
 Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (RCW      9A.56.068)
 Retail Theft with Extenuating      Circumstances 2 (RCW      9A.56.360(3))
 Theft 1 (RCW 9A.56.030)
 Theft of Mail (section 3 of this act)
 Theft of a Motor Vehicle (RCW      9A.56.065)
 Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (valued at one      thousand five hundred dollars or      more) (RCW 9A.56.096(5)(a))
 Theft with the Intent to Resell 2 (RCW      9A.56.340(3))
 Trafficking in Insurance Claims (RCW      48.30A.015)
 Unlawful factoring of a credit card or      payment card transaction (RCW      9A.56.290(4)(a))
 Unlawful Practice of Law (RCW      2.48.180)
 Unlicensed Practice of a Profession or      Business (RCW 18.130.190(7))
 Voyeurism (RCW 9A.44.115)
IAttempting to Elude a Pursuing Police      Vehicle (RCW 46.61.024)
 False Verification for Welfare (RCW      74.08.055)
 Forgery (RCW 9A.60.020)
 Fraudulent Creation or Revocation of a      Mental Health Advance Directive      (RCW 9A.60.060)
 Malicious Mischief 2 (RCW      9A.48.080)
 Mineral Trespass (RCW 78.44.330)
 Possession of Stolen Property 2 (RCW      9A.56.160)
 Reckless Burning 1 (RCW 9A.48.040)
 Taking Motor Vehicle Without      Permission 2 (RCW 9A.56.075)
 Theft 2 (RCW 9A.56.040)
 Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (valued at two      hundred fifty dollars or more but      less than one thousand five      hundred dollars) (RCW      9A.56.096(5)(b))
 Transaction of insurance business      beyond the scope of licensure      (RCW 48.17.063)
 Unlawful Issuance of Checks or Drafts      (RCW 9A.56.060)
 Unlawful Possession of Fictitious      Identification (RCW 9A.56.320)
 Unlawful Possession of Instruments of      Financial Fraud (RCW 9A.56.320)
 Unlawful Possession of Payment      Instruments (RCW 9A.56.320)
 Unlawful Possession of a Personal      Identification Device (RCW      9A.56.320)
 Unlawful Production of Payment      Instruments (RCW 9A.56.320)
 Unlawful Trafficking in Food Stamps      (RCW 9.91.142)
 Unlawful Use of Food Stamps (RCW      9.91.144)
 Vehicle Prowl 1 (RCW 9A.52.095)

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