SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6565

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senator Owen)

Prohibiting interfering with public safety radio communications.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1988; February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6565 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Zimmerman, Vice Chairman; Garrett, Halsan, Metcalf.

Senate Staff:Desley Brooks (786-7443)

                  February 15, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 1988

BACKGROUND:

On several occasions, mobile radio frequencies of local law enforcement agencies in the Puget Sound region have been interrupted by unauthorized persons with the potential for jeopardizing public safety.  Officers in these agencies have expressed concern that there is no statute specifically prohibiting such interference with public safety telecommunications.  As a result, there is no adequate means of preventing the danger or terminating such activity quickly enough once it is detected.

General jurisdiction over allocation of radio frequencies, regulation of licensees, and oversight of violations lies in the purview of the Federal Communications Commission.  At the same time, the state has enacted laws relating to obstructing governmental operations (Chap. 9A.76 RCW) and malicious mischief (Chap. 9A.48 RCW).

SUMMARY:

Interference with a public safety radio communication is incorporated into the statutes relating to malicious mischief.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Patrick E. Buller, Washington State Patrol (for); Scott Beasley, Washington State Patrol; Richard Lyman, Washington State Patrol (for); Edward J. Hanson, WSPTA (for)