SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6010
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 Passed Senate, February 18, 2014
Title: An act relating to possession of altered or shaved keys.
Brief Description: Establishing penalties for altered or shaved keys.
Sponsors: Senator Padden.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 1/15/14, 2/03/14 [DP, DNP].
Passed Senate: 2/18/14, 35-12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Padden, Chair; O'Ban, Vice Chair; Darneille, Pearson and Roach.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senators Kline, Ranking Member; Pedersen.
Staff: Tim Ford (786-7423)
Background: Making or having burglar tools or motor vehicle theft tools is a gross misdemeanor when there is intent to use the tools to commit burglary or theft. Examples of motor vehicle theft tools include a slim jim, false master key, master purpose key, altered or shaved key, trial or jiggler key, slide hammer, lock puller, picklock, bit, nipper, and other implements. Mere possession of the tools is not a crime if law enforcement cannot establish an intent to use the tools to commit burglary or motor vehicle theft.
Summary of Bill: Intent to commit burglary or motor vehicle theft is not required for the crime of possession of an altered or shaved key. Possession of a minimum of one and up to ten altered or shaved keys is a gross misdemeanor. Each additional set of one to ten altered or shaved keys constitutes a separate and distinct crime and is an additional gross misdemeanor. An altered or shaved key is any key so altered by cutting, filing, or other means to fit multiple locks other than the lock for which the key was originally manufactured.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 9, 2014.
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: Vehicle theft is a substantial problem in Spokane. There is no legitimate use for the possession of shaved keys. A locksmith may possess some of the other statutorily listed tools. Mere possession of shaved keys should be grounds for arrest. Auto theft crimes are very difficult to solve. This will not solve the auto theft problem but it is one more tool.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Larry Haskell, Spokane County Prosecutor's Office; Don Pierce, WA Assn. of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs; Ozzie Knezovich, Spokane County Sheriff.