SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5488

BYSenate Committee on Agriculture (originally sponsored by Senators Barr, Hansen, Bauer, Conner, Sellar, DeJarnatt, Owen, Metcalf, Sutherland, Bailey, Gaspard, Madsen, Newhouse, Hayner, Rinehart, Smitherman, Benitz, Amondson, Anderson and Matson)

Changing penalties and procedures for theft of livestock.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5488 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Bailey, Gaspard, Hansen, Madsen.

Senate Staff:Bob Lee (786-7404)

                  March 17, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1989

BACKGROUND:

A person convicted of stealing livestock with intent to sell is guilty of theft in the first degree which is classified as a class B felony.  Persons convicted of stealing livestock for their own use are guilty of livestock theft in the second degree which is classified as a class C felony.

The maximum punishment for a class B felony is a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine of up to $20,000 or both.  Class C felonies carry a jail term of up to five years or a fine of up to $10,000 or both.

There is concern that the actual monetary penalties imposed by the courts have not been sufficient.

SUMMARY:

In addition to the penalties cited above, a fine of $2,000 per animal is to be levied against a person upon conviction of killing or stealing livestock.

Of the fines collected, a portion is to be remitted to the public safety and education account in the state treasury.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Doug Blair, Yakima County Sheriff; Marlyta Deck, Washington Cattlemen's Association