HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                     HB 2497

Brief Description:  Enhancing penalty for methamphetamine manufacturing involving children.

Sponsors:  Representatives Scott and Mulliken

Hearing:  January 25, 2000

BACKGROUND:

Under existing law, the crime of manufacturing methamphetamine is a class B felony ranked at seriousness level X on the sentencing grid.  The presumptive sentence range for a level X crime for an offender with no prior criminal history is 51-68 months in prison.   Prior adult drug offenses count three points each, and prior juvenile drug offenses count two points each, for the purposes of determining the offender's criminal history.   A two year enhancement is added to the sentence if the crime is committed in certain locations, such as in or within 1,000 feet of a school or school bus stop, on a school bus, or in a public park.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

Three years are added to the presumptive sentence range if the manufacturing of methamphetamine either:  (1) occurs in a structure or vehicle where a child less than 16 years old is present; or (2) causes a child under the age of 16 to suffer significant or substantial bodily injury.

FISCAL NOTE:  Requested January 19, 2000.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.