SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6177

As Passed Senate, February 13, 2004

Title: An act relating to criminal impersonation.

Brief Description: Increasing penalties for criminal impersonation.

Sponsors: Senators Eide, Brandland and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Judiciary: 2/5/04, 2/6/04 [DP].

Passed Senate: 2/13/04, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Brandland, Hargrove, Johnson, Roach and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Jinnah Rose-McFadden (786-7421)

Background: Criminal impersonation in the first degree is the crime of assuming falsely the identity of another and acting with the intent to defraud. Criminal impersonation in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000.

Criminal impersonation in the second degree is the crime of either claiming to be a law enforcement officer or falsely creating the impression that one is a law enforcement officer, and acting in a manner such that a reasonable person would falsely believe one to be a law enforcement officer. Criminal impersonation in the second degree is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000.

Summary of Bill: The penalties for criminal impersonation are enhanced. Criminal impersonation in the first degree is an unranked class C felony, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $10,000. Criminal impersonation in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Testimony For: None.

Testimony Against: With Concerns: There is no exemption under the law for people who impersonate law enforcement officers as entertainment for parties. Businesses that offer these services are concerned that there is no exception.

Testified: Sherry Appleton, WDA, WACDL (concerns).