SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6467
BYSenators Talmadge, Nelson and Vognild
Adding second degree arson as basis for first degree murder in certain cases.
Senate Committee on Law & Justice
Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1990; January 29, 1990
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6467 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Nelson, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Madsen, Newhouse, Niemi, Patrick, Rinehart, Talmadge, Thorsness.
Senate Staff:Vicki E. Schur (786-7415)
February 8, 1990
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, JANUARY 29, 1990
BACKGROUND:
A person who, in the course of and in furtherance of knowingly and maliciously causing a fire or explosion which is dangerous to human life, damages a dwelling or any building in which there was a person who was not a participant in the crime, or with the intent to collect insurance proceeds on a property valued at greater than $10,000, causes the death of another is guilty of first degree murder.
"Building" includes a dwelling or structure used for lodging persons or carrying on business. "Building" does not include a structure such as a barn.
In 1989, the Washington Court of Appeals held that the death of a firefighter was not "in furtherance of" the arson and therefore the arsonist could not be convicted of felony murder.
SUMMARY:
A person who causes the death of another as the result of knowingly and maliciously causing a fire or explosion which damages any property is guilty of first degree murder.
EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:
A death may be caused in the course of or in furtherance of the crime to constitute first degree murder.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: available
Senate Committee - Testified: Dennis W. Morgan, Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys; Dick Warbrouck, Seattle Firefighters Union; Bill Hepburn, Seattle Fire Department