SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6289

BYSenators Anderson, Pullen, Wojahn, Stratton, Lee, Kiskaddon, Bailey, Johnson, Saling, Nelson and Smith

Establishing penalties for sexual abuse of developmentally disabled persons.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 25, 1988

Senate Staff:Jeanne Cushman Scott (786-7461)

AS OF JANUARY 25, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Currently, no specific provision is made for penalties when a person in a position of authority over a developmentally disabled person commits rape or indecent liberties.  As a result, prosecution for these crimes is difficult.

SUMMARY:

Rape of a developmentally disabled person by a person in a position of authority over the victim is rape in the second degree.

Persons/perpetrators who knowingly cause other persons who are not spouses to have sexual contact with perpetrators or others, when the victim is developmentally disabled and the perpetrator is in a position of authority over the developmentally disabled person, are included in the indecent liberties statute.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 22, 1988