FINAL BILL REPORT

ESB 6232

C 133 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising crimes relating to possession of ammonia.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Long, Shin, Kastama, Franklin, Winsley, Spanel, Swecker, Regala, McAuliffe and T. Sheldon.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Judiciary

Background:  During the 2000 legislative session, the crimes of theft of anhydrous ammonia and unlawful storage of anhydrous ammonia were created.  Any damages arising out of the unlawful possession, storage, or tampering with anhydrous ammonia equipment were designated as the sole responsibility of the unlawful actor.

"Anhydrous ammonia" is ammonia that does not contain any water.  If it is exposed to the air, as it often is when it is stored improperly, its chemical composition changes and it is no longer anhydrous.  Anhydrous ammonia also undergoes chemical modification during the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Summary:  All references to anhydrous ammonia in the chapter relating to the theft and unlawful storage of anhydrous ammonia are changed to "pressurized ammonia gas" and "pressurized gas solution".  References to the crimes in the sentencing grid reflect the language that changed.  Solid waste haulers who unknowingly possess or transport pressurized ammonia gas in the normal course of business are not guilty of the offense.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate480

House950(House amended)

Senate450(Senate concurred)

Effective:  March 26, 2002