SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5671

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                 Judiciary, February 17, 1999

Title:  An act relating to anarchy and sabotage.

Brief Description:  Repealing anarchy and sabotage statutes.

Sponsors:  Senators Kline, Fairley, Johnson and Thibaudeau.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  2/12/99, 2/17/99 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5671 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Heavey, Chair; Kline, Vice Chair; Costa, Goings, Hargrove, Haugen, Johnson, Long, McCaslin, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Staff:  Penny Nerup (786-7484)

Background:  The anarchy and sabotage statute that is current law in Washington was passed in the early years of this century.

Concern exists that many of the provisions of this statute might not pass constitutional muster if challenged.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The anarchy and sabotage statute is repealed and the criminal trespass statute is amended by creating the new crime of aggravated criminal trespass, which is a class C felony.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill repeals the anarchy and sabotage statute that has been in effect since 1909.  The substitute bill both repeals the anarchy and sabotage statute and amends the criminal trespass statute to add the new crime of aggravated criminal trespass.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Unlike the other crimes in the anarchy and sabotage statute, the crime of sabotage has been charged sporadically over the years.  A new crime of aggravated criminal trespass is recommended to replace the repealed sections.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Tom McBride, Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (pro).