SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5775

BYSenator Sellar

Revising the seriousness level of vehicular homicide.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5775 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Halsan, Madsen, Nelson, Niemi, Talmadge.

Senate Staff:Cliff Petersen (786-7457)

                  February 4, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, FEBRUARY 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Pursuant to the Sentencing Reform Act, the crime of vehicular homicide has been assigned to seriousness level VII.  The standard range presumptive sentence for crimes included in seriousness level VII is 15-20 months.

SUMMARY:

The crime of vehicular homicide is moved up to be included among the crimes in seriousness level IX.  The standard presumptive range for crimes included in seriousness level IX is 31-41 months.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The crime of vehicular homicide is moved up to be included among the crimes in seriousness level IX when the crime is caused by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner.

The crime of vehicular homicide when caused by disregard for the safety of others remains classified within seriousness level VII.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 1, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator George Sellar; Roxanne Park, Sentencing Guidelines Commission; Jerri Wolf, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers