HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

SSB 6117

Brief Description:  Increasing penalties for persons who interfere with school activities.

Sponsors:  Senators McCaslin and Winsley.

Hearing:  February 23, 2000.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

STAFF: Chad Barnes, Legal Intern (786-5793)

BACKGROUND:

Currently, it is a gross misdemeanor to interfere by force or violence with school personnel, students, or those under contract with schools or school districts while in the performance of their duties or studies.  Additionally, if the act of force or violence is committed by a student he or she may be suspended or expelled.  It is also a gross misdemeanor to intimidate by threat of force or violence school personnel or students while in the performance of their duties or studies.  Upon conviction for either offense, the offender is subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment in jail for not more than six months. 

SUMMARY OF BILL: 

It is a gross misdemeanor to interfere by force or violence with a sports official certified by or registered with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.

If the offender is a student, and the offense occurs at an interscholastic activity, the student may be excluded from participating or attending the activity at which the offense was committed for up to one year. 

If the offender is not a student, upon conviction, the offender may not enter the school where the crime was committed or attend the interscholastic activity in which the crime was committed, for up to one year. 

It remains a gross misdemeanor to intimidate by threat of force or violence school personnel or students while in the performance of their duties or studies.        

FISCAL NOTE:  Available.

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