SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1895
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Judiciary, March 22, 2001
Title: An act relating to theft of motor vehicle fuel.
Brief Description: Creating the crime of theft of motor vehicle fuel.
Sponsors: By Representatives Esser, Morris, Barlean, Cooper, Mielke, O'Brien, Mulliken, Ericksen, Hatfield, B. Chandler, Linville and Kirby.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Judiciary: 3/22/01 [DP, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Constantine, Vice Chair; Costa, Johnson, Kastama, Long, McCaslin, Roach and Thibaudeau.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senator Zarelli.
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786‑7439)
Background: Theft in the first degree is committed when a person wrongfully obtains property or services valued in excess of $1,500. Theft in the first degree is a class B felony ranked at level II on the sentencing grid (0-3 months for a first offense). A person commits theft in the second degree by wrongfully obtaining property or services valued in excess of $250, but not exceeding $1,500. Theft in the second degree is a class C felony ranked at level I on the sentencing grid (0-2 months for a first offense). Theft in the third degree is committed when a person wrongfully obtains property or services valued less than $250. Theft in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor carrying a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail.
Summary of Bill: A person is guilty of theft of motor vehicle fuel when he or she refuses to pay or evades payment for motor vehicle fuel that is pumped into a motor vehicle. Theft of motor fuel is a gross misdemeanor. In addition, the license, permit, or nonresident driving privilege of a person convicted of theft of motor vehicle fuel must be suspended by the Department of Licensing for six months.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: When the price of gasoline rises, the incidence of theft of gasoline from service stations rises. Other states that have enacted license suspension legislation have experienced a 50 percent reduction in these offenses.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: Representative Esser; Tim Hamilton, AUTO; T.K. Bentler, Washington Association of Neighborhood Stores; Charlie Brown, Washington Oil Marketers Association.