Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
HB 2360
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: Increasing penalties for the crime of patronizing a prostitute.
Sponsors: Representatives Pellicciotti, Kraft, Dolan, McDonald, Orwall, Hayes, Van Werven, Klippert, Lovick, Kloba, Fey, Tarleton, Johnson, Sawyer, Kirby, Stanford, Reeves, Jinkins, Ryu, Ortiz-Self, Riccelli and Gregerson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/16/18
Staff: Sydney Sullivan (786-7291) and Omeara Harrington (786-7136).
Background:
Patronizing a Prostitute.
A person is guilty of the crime of Patronizing a Prostitute if he or she:
pays a fee, pursuant to a prior understanding, as compensation for another person having engaged in sexual conduct with him or her; or
pays or agrees to pay a fee to another person with the understanding that the person will engage in sexual conduct; or
solicits or requests another person to engage in sexual conduct with him or her in exchange for a fee.
The crime of Patronizing a Prostitute is a misdemeanor offense.
Classification of Crimes.
Crimes are classified as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies, of which there are class A, B, and C felonies. The classification of a crime generally determines the maximum term of confinement and the maximum fine a court can impose for an offense. For each classification, the maximum terms of confinement and maximum fines are as follows:
Classification | Maximum Confinement | Maximum Fine |
Misdemeanor | 90 days | $1,000 |
Gross Misdemeanor | 364 days | $5,000 |
Class C Felony | 5 years | $10,000 |
Class B Felony | 10 years | $20,000 |
Class A Felony | Life | $50,000 |
Summary of Bill:
The penalty for the crime of Patronizing a Prostitute is raised to a gross misdemeanor.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 10, 2018.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.