HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

SSB 6260

Brief Description:  Increasing penalties for manufacturing a controlled substance when children are present.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen and Heavey.

Hearing:  February 22, 2000.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

BACKGROUND:

The manufacturing of methamphetamine is a seriousness level X, class B felony.  An offender who does not have any criminal history receives a presumptive sentencing range of 51-68 months in prison. 

Possession of ephedrine of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine is a seriousness level VIII, class B felony.  An offender who does not have any criminal history receives a presumptive sentence range of 21-27 months in prison.

Two-year sentence enhancements are often added to an offender's sentence when certain crimes involving controlled substances are manufactured, sold, delivered or possessed in public areas such as at or near schools, parks, public transit, drug free zones, or civic centers.

SUMMARY OF BILL: 

If a court makes a finding of fact or in a jury trial if the jury finds a special verdict that (1) an offender manufactured methamphetamine or possessed ephedrine or pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine and (2) the underlying crime was committed when a person under the age of 18 was present in or on the premises of the place where the methamphetamine was being manufactured, then an additional two year enhancement will be added to the offender's presumptive sentence.

FISCAL NOTE:  Requested on February 17, 2000.

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