Brief Description: Addressing violations connected with the offer, sale, or purchase of securities.

Sponsors: Representatives Schual-Berke, Benson, Anderson, Upthegrove, Rockefeller and Simpson; by request of Governor Locke.

Hearing Date: 1/29/03

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

In the state of Washington, the securities industry is regulated by the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) through its Division of Securities. This division, in turn, has an Enforcement Section that investigates consumer complaints and responds to case referrals from the Attorney General's Office (AGO), law enforcement agencies, and other securities regulators. In addition to providing technical assistance to law enforcement agencies, the Enforcement Section has both a legal and investigative staff who initiate administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings against violators of the Securities Act (Act).

Willful violations of the Act, including the making of false or misleading statements to the DFI, are punishable by up to ten years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both. A five year statute of limitations applies with respect to criminal prosecutions under the Act.

Following a formal administrative action, a person who is found by the DFI to have knowingly or recklessly violated any provision of the Act may be fined up to $5,000 for each violation.

Where the DFI finds that it is necessary in order to protect the public interest, under certain circumstances it may sanction, discipline, or restrict the activities of any of the various securities professionals subject to its authority under the Act.

Summary of Bill:

Securities Prosecution Fund: The bill creates a "Securities Prosecution Fund"(Fund), the purpose of which is to provide the AGO and local prosecutors with the resources necessary to more effectively prosecute specified criminal violations of the Act. The fund is derived from fines levied against violators as well as money received via restitution and disgorgement orders. No appropriation is necessary insofar as the fund is sustained by funds obtained by the DFI through enforcement actions against violators.

The Director of the DFI (director) must authorize any expenditure from the Fund, which must be used solely for the costs incurred in investigating and prosecuting violations of the securities code, as well as administrative costs. The AGO and prosecutors must submit an application to the DFI in order to obtain access to the Fund. The application must state the purpose of the funding request and specifically identify the criminal violations that are being prosecuted. At the conclusion of the prosecution, the AGO or prosecutor must provide the DFI with an accounting and a summary of the case.

The Fund is subject to a limit of $350,000. If the Fund reaches this limit, excess funds are deposited in DFI's general fund until such time as the Fund again falls below the $350,000 level.

Criminal offenses: Criminal violations of the Act are made a class B felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years and a $20,000 fine.

When done with the intent to deceive or obstruct an official proceeding, the deliberate alteration, destruction, or concealment of evidence is a criminal offense punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

The prosecution of a criminal violation of the securities act is subject to a statute of limitations of either five years after the violation or three years following the discovery of the violation, whichever is later.

Prosecutorial Asstistance by DFI: DFI employees may assist the AGO or prosecuting attorneys in the investigation or prosecution of violations of the Act. In addition, the AGO or a prosecuting attorney may appoint a DFI employee to serve as a special prosecuting attorney for the purpose of prosecuting violations of the Act.

Administrative actions by the DFI: The maximum fine that may be imposed by the DFI via an administrative order is increased from $5,000 to $10,000 for each act or omission that constitutes the basis for the order.

The director is authorized to charge licensees for the costs and fees incurred in the pursuit of an administrative action that results in an order being issued against the licensee. The director may also issue orders requiring an accounting, restitution, and/or disgorgement as part of such administrative action.

Cease and desist orders: The director is authorized to charge licensees for the costs and fees incurred in the pursuit of an action that results in an injunction or cease and desist order being issued against the licensee. The director may also issue orders requiring an accounting, restitution, and/or disgorgement as part of such action.

Imposition of fines: In general, the maximum fine that may be imposed by the DFI in an administrative action is increased from $5,000 to $10,000 dollars per violation of the Act. However, the maximum fine is increased to $25,000 per violation with respect to knowing or reckless violations of administrative orders issued by the director.

Fines collected pursuant to these provisions must be deposited in the Securities Prosecution Fund.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 21, 2003.

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