HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

HB 1464

Title:  An act relating to sexual exploitation of minors.

Brief Description:  Including computer images in the definition of "visual or printed matter."

Sponsors:  Representatives H. Sommers, Sheahan, Dickerson, Hurst, Lambert, Tokuda, Lisk, Doumit, Rockefeller, Lantz, Kenney, McIntire and Edmonds.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Yvonne Walker (786-7841).

Background:

The state=s obscenity and pornography statute requires a person discovering child pornography in the course of developing or processing film or other visual matter to report the incident to the local law enforcement agency.  Failure to report child pornography film that is presented for developing is a gross misdemeanor.

The maximum penalty for a gross misdemeanor is one year in jail or a fine of $5,000 or both.

Summary:

The state=s obscenity and pornography statute is expanded to include any person, in the course of maintaining or repairing a computer or computer equipment, discovering child pornography stored on the computer must report the incident to the local law enforcement agency.  Failure to report child pornography stored on a computer is a gross misdemeanor.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 2, 1999.

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