HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

HB 1388

Title:  An act relating to state criminal jurisdiction.

Brief Description:  Clarifying the state's jurisdiction over crimes committed in the airspace over the state.

Sponsors:  Representatives Keiser, Ballasiotes, Schual‑Berke, Mitchell, Hurst, O'Brien, Lovick and Delvin.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Yvonne Walker (786-7841).

Background:

The Washington Criminal Code states that any person may be prosecuted if he or she commits any crime in this state, commits any crime outside of Washington, such as theft, and is found with the stolen property in this state or is out of state but aids, counsels, or causes another person to commit a crime in Washington.  The state criminal jurisdiction is also extended to hold persons liable to punishment when they are outside of Washington but commit such crimes as:  abducting or kidnaping by force or fraud another person and bringing or sending that person to Washington, criminal activity which affects any person or property within Washington and if committed within the state would be a crime, or making a sworn statement, verification, or declaration which would be prosecuted as perjury.

Summary:

The state's criminal jurisdiction is expanded to include holding any person liable for punishment if that person commits any act onboard any vehicle within Washington, including airplanes flying over the state of Washington, that subsequently have to land, dock, or stop within the state, and if committed within the state, would be a crime.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.