FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 1475
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. |
C 111 L 17
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Clarifying the limited authority of gambling commission officers.
Sponsors: Representatives Irwin, Goodman, Hayes, Ryu, Kilduff, Holy, Klippert, Kirby and Lovick; by request of Gambling Commission.
House Committee on Judiciary
Senate Committee on Commerce, Labor & Sports
Background:
Limited Authority Law Enforcement Agency.
A limited authority law enforcement agency is any agency, political subdivision, or unit of local government, and any agency, department, or division of state government, having as one of its functions the apprehension or detection of persons committing infractions or violating the traffic or criminal laws relating to limited subject areas. Limited authority state agencies include the following: Department of Natural Resources; Department Social and Health Services; Gambling Commission; Lottery Commission; State Parks and Recreation Commission; Utilities and Transportation Commission; Liquor and Cannabis Board; Office of the Insurance Commissioner; and Department Corrections.
A limited authority peace officer is any full-time, fully compensated officer of a limited authority law enforcement agency empowered by that agency to detect or apprehend violators of the laws in some or all of the limited subject areas for which that agency is responsible. A limited authority peace officer may be a specially commissioned peace officer.
Gambling Commission.
The Gambling Commission is authorized to enforce the laws relating to the conduct of, or participation in, gambling activities, and the manufacturing, importation, transportation, distribution, possession, and sale of equipment or paraphernalia used, or for use in connection with, gambling activities. This authority includes application for, and execution of, warrants and the power to arrest without a warrant any person found in the act of violating the gambling laws.
Summary:
Gambling Commission Officer Authority.
When physical injury to a person or substantial damage to property occurs, or is about to occur, within the presence of a Gambling Commission officer designated with police powers, the officer is authorized to take such action as is reasonably necessary to prevent:
physical injury to a person;
substantial damage to property; or
further injury to a person or further substantial damage to property.
In such cases, the officer is immune from civil liability for damages arising out of his or her action, unless it is shown that the officer acted with gross negligence or bad faith.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 98 | 0 | |
Senate | 41 | 8 |
Effective: | July 23, 2017 |