AN ACT Relating to the definition of slayer; amending RCW 11.84.010 and 11.84.140; and creating a new section.

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

Sec. 1.  RCW 11.84.010 and 2009 c 525 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in this chapter:

(1) "Abuser" means any person who participates, either as a principal or an accessory before the fact, in the willful and unlawful financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

(2) "Decedent" means:

(a) Any person whose life is taken by a slayer; or

(b) Any deceased person who, at any time during life in which he or she was a vulnerable adult, was the victim of financial exploitation by an abuser.

(3) "Financial exploitation" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 74.34.020, as enacted or hereafter amended.

(4) "Property" includes any real and personal property and any right or interest therein.

(5) "Slayer" means any person who participates, either as a principal or an accessory before the fact, in the willful and unlawful killing of any other person as determined under RCW 11.84.140.

(6) "Vulnerable adult" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 74.34.020.

Sec. 2.  RCW 11.84.140 and 2009 c 525 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A final judgment of conviction for the willful and unlawful killing of the decedent is conclusive for purposes of determining whether a person is a slayer under this section. A finding of not guilty by reason of insanity for the willful and unlawful killing of the decedent carries the same meaning as a judgment of conviction.

(2) In the absence of a criminal conviction or a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity, a superior court finding by a preponderance of the evidence that a person participated in the willful and unlawful killing of the decedent is conclusive for purposes of determining whether a person is a slayer under this section.