SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 6648

BYSenators Sutherland and Metcalf

Establishing penalties for attempts by vessel operators to elude pursuing law enforcement vessels.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 23, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended.

     Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                February 12, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 8, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Current law allows law enforcement officers to arrest a person who fails to stop his or her vehicle when requested or signaled to do so by a law enforcement official.  The same provisions do not apply to watercraft.

SUMMARY:

An operator of any watercraft vessel who willfully fails to stop when requested to by a law enforcement officer is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.  An operator who willfully fails to immediately bring a vessel to stop and who operates the vessel in a negligent manner showing a wanton or willful disregard for the lives and property of others is guilty of a class C felony.  Signals given by law enforcement officers may be by hand, voice, emergency light or siren.  The officer giving such a signal shall be in uniform and his or her vessel shall be appropriately marked showing it to be an official law enforcement vessel.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Jim King, Washington Sportsmen's Council (pro); Graig Carlile, Local 881, Fisheries Employees Union (pro); Bob Lake, Willapa Bay Gilnett Association (pro); John Pomeroy, Fisheries Patrol Employees Union (pro); Jim Tuggle, Fisheries Sergeants' Association (pro); Dana Matthews, Department of Fisheries (pro);  Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnetters (con)