FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5123

C 287 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising the crime of escape as it relates to sexually violent predators.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Costa, Long and Hargrove).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections

Background:  Under present law, the crime of escape includes sexually violent predators on less restrictive alternatives who leave the state without authorization.  It does not cover the situation of a sexually violent predator who leaves the state with authorization, but fails to return at the required time.  This situation has not occurred.

Currently, the crime of escape does not include persons committed under Chapter 10.77 RCW for sex, violent or felony harassment offenses.

Summary:  The crime of "escape by a sexually violent predator" is created as a class B felony ranked at level 10, and the provision related to sexually violent predators is removed from the elements of escape in the second degree.  Escape by a sexually violent predator includes escape from custody, from a commitment or less restrictive alternative facility.  When on conditional release and residing somewhere other than a facility for persons on less restrictive alternatives, escape also includes leaving or remaining absent from the state without authorization.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate430

House     93 0 (House amended)

Senate    47 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  May 14, 2001

     July 1, 2001 (Section 4)