Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
SSB 5072
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. |
Brief Description: Modifying the crime of failing to summon assistance.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senator Honeyford).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/13/15
Staff: Cassie Jones (786-7303).
Background:
A person commits the crime of Failing to Summon Assistance if:
he or she was present when a crime was committed against another person;
he or she knows that the other person has suffered substantial bodily harm as a result of the crime committed against the other person and that the other person is in need of assistance;
he or she could reasonably summon assistance for the person in need without danger to himself or herself and without interference with an important duty owed to a third party;
he or she fails to summon assistance for the person in need; and
another person is not summoning or has not summoned assistance for the person in need of such assistance.
"Substantial bodily harm" means bodily injury that involves a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or causes a temporary but substantial loss of the function of any bodily part or organ, or that causes a fracture of any bodily part.
Failing to summon assistance is a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Summary of Bill:
A person commits the crime of failing to summon assistance if:
he or she was present at the time when a crime was committed or another person was injured;
he or she knows that the other person has suffered substantial bodily harm and that the other person is in need of assistance;
he or she could reasonably summon assistance for the person in need without danger to himself or herself and without interference with an important duty owed to a third party;
he or she fails to summon assistance for the person in need; and
another person is not summoning or has not summoned assistance for the person in need of such assistance.
Failing to summon assistance remains a misdemeanor.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.