CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

 

                        HOUSE BILL 1165

 

 

                   Chapter 219, Laws of 1998

 

 

 

 

                        55th Legislature

                      1998 Regular Session

 

 

HOMICIDE AND ASSAULT BY WATERCRAFT

 

 

 

                    EFFECTIVE DATE:  6/11/98

Passed by the House March 9, 1998 

Yeas 96   Nays 0

 

 

 

             CLYDE BALLARD

Speaker of the

      House of Representatives

 

Passed by the Senate February 27, 1998

  Yeas 47   Nays 0

             CERTIFICATE

 

I, Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is HOUSE BILL 1165  as passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on the dates hereon set forth.

 

 

 

               BRAD OWEN

President of the Senate

          TIMOTHY A. MARTIN

                          Chief Clerk

 

 

Approved March 30, 1998 Place Style On Codes above, and Style Off Codes below.     

                                FILED          

 

 

           March 30, 1998 - 2:58 p.m.

 

 

 

              GARY LOCKE

Governor of the State of Washington

                   Secretary of State

                  State of Washington


          _______________________________________________

 

                          HOUSE BILL 1165

          _______________________________________________

 

                     AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

 

             Passed Legislature - 1998 Regular Session

 

State of Washington      55th Legislature     1997 Regular Session

 

By Representatives Backlund, O'Brien, Skinner, Cairnes, Dyer, Dunn, Lambert, Sherstad, Sterk, Delvin and Mielke

 

Read first time 01/16/97.  Referred to Committee on Law & Justice.

 

 

Creating the crimes of homicide by watercraft and assault by watercraft.     


    AN ACT Relating to homicide or assault by watercraft; amending RCW 88.12.010; reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.320; adding new sections to chapter 88.12 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 88.12 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) When the death of any person ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury proximately caused by the operating of any vessel by any person, the operator is guilty of homicide by watercraft if he or she was operating the vessel:

    (a) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 88.12.025;

    (b) In a reckless manner; or

    (c) With disregard for the safety of others.

    (2) When the death is caused by a skier towed by a vessel, the operator of the vessel is not guilty of homicide by watercraft.

    (3) A violation of this section is punishable as a class A felony according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 88.12 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) "Serious bodily injury" means bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body.

    (2) A person is guilty of assault by watercraft if he or she operates any vessel:

    (a) In a reckless manner, and this conduct is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury to another; or

    (b) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 88.12.025, and this conduct is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury to another.

    (3) When the injury is caused by a skier towed by a vessel, the operator of the vessel is not guilty of assault by watercraft.

    (4) A violation of this section is punishable as a class B felony according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3.  A new section is added to chapter 88.12 RCW to read as follows:

    A person convicted under section 1 or 2 of this act shall, as a condition of community supervision imposed under RCW 9.94A.383 or community placement imposed under RCW 9.94A.120(9), complete a diagnostic evaluation by an alcohol or drug dependency agency approved by the department of social and health services or a qualified probation department, defined under RCW 46.61.516, that has been approved by the department of social and health services.  If the person is found to have an alcohol or drug problem that requires treatment, the person shall complete treatment in a program approved by the department of social and health services under chapter 70.96A RCW.  If the person is found not to have an alcohol or drug problem that requires treatment, he or she shall complete a course in an information school approved by the department of social and health services under chapter 70.96A RCW.  The convicted person shall pay all costs for any evaluation, education, or treatment required by this section, unless the person is eligible for an existing program offered or approved by the department of social and health services.  Nothing in chapter ..., Laws of 1998 (this act) requires the addition of new treatment or assessment facilities nor affects the department of social and health services use of existing programs and facilities authorized by law.

 

    Sec. 4.  RCW 9.94A.320 and 1997 c 365 s 4, 1997 c 346 s 3, 1997 c 340 s 1, 1997 c 338 s 51, 1997 c 266 s 15, and 1997 c 120 s 5 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

   

                              TABLE 2

 

           CRIMES INCLUDED WITHIN EACH SERIOUSNESS LEVEL

 

XVAggravated Murder 1 (RCW 10.95.020)

 

XIVMurder 1 (RCW 9A.32.030)

    Homicide by abuse (RCW 9A.32.055)

    Malicious explosion 1 (RCW 70.74.280(1))

 

XIIIMurder 2 (RCW 9A.32.050)

    Malicious explosion 2 (RCW 70.74.280(2))

    Malicious placement of an explosive 1 (RCW 70.74.270(1))

 

XIIAssault 1 (RCW 9A.36.011)

    Assault of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.36.120)

    Rape 1 (RCW 9A.44.040)

    Rape of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.44.073)

    Malicious placement of an imitation device 1 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(a))

 

XIRape 2 (RCW 9A.44.050)

    Rape of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.44.076)

    Manslaughter 1 (RCW 9A.32.060)

 

XKidnapping 1 (RCW 9A.40.020)

    Child Molestation 1 (RCW 9A.44.083)

    Malicious explosion 3 (RCW 70.74.280(3))

    Over 18 and deliver heroin or narcotic from Schedule I or II to someone under 18 (RCW 69.50.406)

    Leading Organized Crime (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(a))

    Indecent Liberties (with forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1)(a))

 

IXAssault of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.36.130)

    Robbery 1 (RCW 9A.56.200)

    Explosive devices prohibited (RCW 70.74.180)

    Malicious placement of an explosive 2 (RCW 70.74.270(2))

    Over 18 and deliver narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or a nonnarcotic from Schedule I-V to someone under 18 and 3 years junior (RCW 69.50.406)

    Controlled Substance Homicide (RCW 69.50.415)

    Sexual Exploitation (RCW 9.68A.040)

    Inciting Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(b))

    Vehicular Homicide, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.520)

    Homicide by Watercraft, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (section 1 of this act)

 

VIIIArson 1 (RCW 9A.48.020)

    Promoting Prostitution 1 (RCW 9A.88.070)

    Selling for profit (controlled or counterfeit) any controlled substance (RCW 69.50.410)

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver heroin or cocaine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i))

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

    Possession of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.440)

    Vehicular Homicide, by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner (RCW 46.61.520)

    Homicide by Watercraft, by the operation of any vessel in a reckless manner (section 1 of this act)

    Manslaughter 2 (RCW 9A.32.070)

 

VIIBurglary 1 (RCW 9A.52.020)

    Vehicular Homicide, by disregard for the safety of others (RCW 46.61.520)

    Homicide by Watercraft, by disregard for the safety of others (section 1 of this act)

    Introducing Contraband 1 (RCW 9A.76.140)

    Indecent Liberties (without forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1) (b) and (c))

    Child Molestation 2 (RCW 9A.44.086)

    Dealing in depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.050)

    Sending, bringing into state depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.060)

    Involving a minor in drug dealing (RCW 69.50.401(f))

    Drive-by Shooting (RCW 9A.36.045)

    Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the first degree (RCW 9.41.040(1)(a))

    Malicious placement of an explosive 3 (RCW 70.74.270(3))

 

VIBribery (RCW 9A.68.010)

    Rape of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.44.079)

    Intimidating a Juror/Witness (RCW 9A.72.110, 9A.72.130)

    Malicious placement of an imitation device 2 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(b))

    Incest 1 (RCW 9A.64.020(1))

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver narcotics from Schedule I or II (except heroin or cocaine) (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i))

    Intimidating a Judge (RCW 9A.72.160)

    Bail Jumping with Murder 1 (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(a))

    Theft of a Firearm (RCW 9A.56.300)

 

VPersistent prison misbehavior (RCW 9.94.070)

Criminal Mistreatment 1 (RCW 9A.42.020)

Abandonment of dependent person 1 (RCW 9A.42.060)

    Rape 3 (RCW 9A.44.060)

    Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 1 (RCW 9A.44.093)

    Child Molestation 3 (RCW 9A.44.089)

    Kidnapping 2 (RCW 9A.40.030)

    Extortion 1 (RCW 9A.56.120)

    Incest 2 (RCW 9A.64.020(2))

    Perjury 1 (RCW 9A.72.020)

    Extortionate Extension of Credit (RCW 9A.82.020)

    Advancing money or property for extortionate extension of credit (RCW 9A.82.030)

    Extortionate Means to Collect Extensions of Credit (RCW 9A.82.040)

    Rendering Criminal Assistance 1 (RCW 9A.76.070)

    Bail Jumping with class A Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(b))

    Sexually Violating Human Remains (RCW 9A.44.105)

    Delivery of imitation controlled substance by person eighteen or over to person under eighteen (RCW 69.52.030(2))

    Possession of a Stolen Firearm (RCW 9A.56.310)

 

IVResidential Burglary (RCW 9A.52.025)

    Theft of Livestock 1 (RCW 9A.56.080)

    Robbery 2 (RCW 9A.56.210)

    Assault 2 (RCW 9A.36.021)

    Escape 1 (RCW 9A.76.110)

    Arson 2 (RCW 9A.48.030)

    Commercial Bribery (RCW 9A.68.060)

    Bribing a Witness/Bribe Received by Witness (RCW 9A.72.090, 9A.72.100)

    Malicious Harassment (RCW 9A.36.080)

    Threats to Bomb (RCW 9.61.160)

    Willful Failure to Return from Furlough (RCW 72.66.060)

    Hit and Run‑-Injury Accident (RCW 46.52.020(4))

    Hit and Run with Vessel‑-Injury Accident (RCW 88.12.155(3))

    Vehicular Assault (RCW 46.61.522)

    Assault by Watercraft (section 2 of this act)

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver narcotics from Schedule III, IV, or V or nonnarcotics from Schedule I-V (except marijuana or methamphetamines) (RCW 69.50.401 (a)(1) (iii) through (v))

    Influencing Outcome of Sporting Event (RCW 9A.82.070)

    Use of Proceeds of Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.080 (1) and (2))

    Knowingly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(2))

 

IIICriminal Gang Intimidation (RCW 9A.46.120)

    Criminal Mistreatment 2 (RCW 9A.42.030)

    Abandonment of dependent person 2 (RCW 9A.42.070)

    Extortion 2 (RCW 9A.56.130)

    Unlawful Imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040)

    Assault 3 (RCW 9A.36.031)

    Assault of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.36.140)

    Custodial Assault (RCW 9A.36.100)

    Unlawful possession of firearm in the second degree (RCW 9.41.040(1)(b))

    Harassment (RCW 9A.46.020)

    Promoting Prostitution 2 (RCW 9A.88.080)

    Willful Failure to Return from Work Release (RCW 72.65.070)

    Burglary 2 (RCW 9A.52.030)

    Introducing Contraband 2 (RCW 9A.76.150)

    Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes (RCW 9.68A.090)

    Patronizing a Juvenile Prostitute (RCW 9.68A.100)

    Escape 2 (RCW 9A.76.120)

    Perjury 2 (RCW 9A.72.030)

    Bail Jumping with class B or C Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(c))

    Intimidating a Public Servant (RCW 9A.76.180)

    Tampering with a Witness (RCW 9A.72.120)

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver marijuana (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(iii))

    Delivery of a material in lieu of a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(c))

    Manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute an imitation controlled substance (RCW 69.52.030(1))

    Recklessly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(1))

    Theft of livestock 2 (RCW 9A.56.080)

    Securities Act violation (RCW 21.20.400)

 

IIUnlawful Practice of Law (RCW 2.48.180)

    Malicious Mischief 1 (RCW 9A.48.070)

    Possession of Stolen Property 1 (RCW 9A.56.150)

    Theft 1 (RCW 9A.56.030)

    Class B Felony Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (RCW 9A.56.096(4))

    Trafficking in Insurance Claims (RCW 48.30A.015)

    Unlicensed Practice of a Profession or Business (RCW 18.130.190(7))

    Health Care False Claims (RCW 48.80.030)

    Possession of controlled substance that is either heroin or narcotics from Schedule I or II (RCW 69.50.401(d))

    Possession of phencyclidine (PCP) (RCW 69.50.401(d))

    Create, deliver, or possess a counterfeit controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(b))

    Computer Trespass 1 (RCW 9A.52.110)

    Escape from Community Custody (RCW 72.09.310)

 

ITheft 2 (RCW 9A.56.040)

    Class C Felony Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (RCW 9A.56.096(4))

    Possession of Stolen Property 2 (RCW 9A.56.160)

    Forgery (RCW 9A.60.020)

    Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission (RCW 9A.56.070)

    Vehicle Prowl 1 (RCW 9A.52.095)

    Attempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle (RCW 46.61.024)

    Malicious Mischief 2 (RCW 9A.48.080)

    Reckless Burning 1 (RCW 9A.48.040)

    Unlawful Issuance of Checks or Drafts (RCW 9A.56.060)

    Unlawful Use of Food Stamps (RCW 9.91.140 (2) and (3))

    False Verification for Welfare (RCW 74.08.055)

    Forged Prescription (RCW 69.41.020)

    Forged Prescription for a Controlled Substance (RCW 69.50.403)

    Possess Controlled Substance that is a Narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or Non-narcotic from Schedule I-V (except phencyclidine) (RCW 69.50.401(d))

 

    Sec. 5.  RCW 88.12.010 and 1997 c 391 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

    Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

    (1) "Boat wastes" includes, but is not limited to, sewage, garbage, marine debris, plastics, contaminated bilge water, cleaning solvents, paint scrapings, or discarded petroleum products associated with the use of vessels.

    (2) "Boater" means any person on a vessel on waters of the state of Washington.

    (3) "Carrying passengers for hire" means carrying passengers in a vessel on waters of the state for valuable consideration, whether given directly or indirectly or received by the owner, agent, operator, or other person having an interest in the vessel.  This shall not include trips where expenses for food, transportation, or incidentals are shared by participants on an even basis.  Anyone receiving compensation for skills or money for amortization of equipment and carrying passengers shall be considered to be carrying passengers for hire on waters of the state.

    (4) "Commission" means the state parks and recreation commission.

    (5) "Darkness" means that period between sunset and sunrise.

    (6) "Environmentally sensitive area" means a restricted body of water where discharge of untreated sewage from boats is especially detrimental because of limited flushing, shallow water, commercial or recreational shellfish, swimming areas, diversity of species, the absence of other pollution sources, or other characteristics.

    (7) "Guide" means any individual, including but not limited to subcontractors and independent contractors, engaged for compensation or other consideration by a whitewater river outfitter for the purpose of operating vessels.  A person licensed under RCW 77.32.211 or 75.28.780 and acting as a fishing guide is not considered a guide for the purposes of this chapter.

    (8) "Marina" means a facility providing boat moorage space, fuel, or commercial services.  Commercial services include but are not limited to overnight or live‑aboard boating accommodations.

    (9) "Motor driven boats and vessels" means all boats and vessels which are self propelled.

    (10) "Muffler" or "muffler system" means a sound suppression device or system, including an underwater exhaust system, designed and installed to abate the sound of exhaust gases emitted from an internal combustion engine and that prevents excessive or unusual noise.

    (11) "Operate" means to steer, direct, or otherwise have physical control of a vessel that is underway.

    (12) "Operator" means an individual who steers, directs, or otherwise has physical control of a vessel that is underway or exercises actual authority to control the person at the helm.

    (13) "Observer" means the individual riding in a vessel who is responsible for observing a water skier at all times.

    (14) "Owner" means a person who has a lawful right to possession of a vessel by purchase, exchange, gift, lease, inheritance, or legal action whether or not the vessel is subject to a security interest.

    (15) "Person" means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, nonprofit corporation or organization, limited liability company, firm, association, or other legal entity located within or outside this state.

    (16) "Personal flotation device" means a buoyancy device, life preserver, buoyant vest, ring buoy, or buoy cushion that is designed to float a person in the water and that is approved by the commission.

    (17) "Personal watercraft" means a vessel of less than sixteen feet that uses a motor powering a water jet pump, as its primary source of motive power and that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.

    (18) "Polluted area" means a body of water used by boaters that is contaminated by boat wastes at unacceptable levels, based on applicable water quality and shellfish standards.

    (19) "Public entities" means all elected or appointed bodies, including tribal governments, responsible for collecting and spending public funds.

    (20) "Reckless" or "recklessly" means acting carelessly and heedlessly in a willful and wanton disregard of the rights, safety, or property of another.

    (21) "Sewage pumpout or dump unit" means:

    (a) A receiving chamber or tank designed to receive vessel sewage from a "porta‑potty" or a portable container; and

    (b) A stationary or portable mechanical device on land, a dock, pier, float, barge, vessel, or other location convenient to boaters, designed to remove sewage waste from holding tanks on vessels.

    (22) "Underway" means that a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground.

    (23) "Vessel" includes every description of watercraft on the water, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water.  However, it does not include inner tubes, air mattresses, sailboards, and small rafts or flotation devices or toys customarily used by swimmers.

    (24) "Water skiing" means the physical act of being towed behind a vessel on, but not limited to, any skis, aquaplane, kneeboard, tube, or any other similar device.

    (25) "Waters of the state" means any waters within the territorial limits of Washington state.

    (26) "Whitewater river outfitter" means any person who is advertising to carry or carries passengers for hire on any whitewater river of the state, but does not include any person whose only service on a given trip is providing instruction in canoeing or kayaking skills.

    (27) "Whitewater rivers of the state" means those rivers and streams, or parts thereof, within the boundaries of the state as listed in RCW 88.12.265 or as designated by the commission under RCW 88.12.279.


    Passed the House March 9, 1998.

    Passed the Senate February 27, 1998.

Approved by the Governor March 30, 1998.

    Filed in Office of Secretary of State March 30, 1998.