HB 2133

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee

HB 2133

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Increasing threshold property values for the crimes of malicious mischief.

Sponsors: Representatives Bailey, O'Brien, Haler, Ericks, McDonald, Hinkle, Chandler, Anderson, Kretz, Warnick, Ormsby and Newhouse.

Brief Summary of Bill

Increases the threshold values for Malicious Mischief.

Hearing Date: 2/19/07

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

One of the ways in which a person can commit Malicious Mischief is by knowingly and maliciously causing physical damage to the property of another. In this type of situation, the degree of the crime is determined by the amount of physical damage to the property:

If the amount of damage exceeds $1,500, the person is guilty of Malicious Mischief in the first degree (class B felony, seriousness level II).
If the amount of damage exceeds $250, but is no more than $1,500, the person is guilty of Malicious Mischief in the second degree (class C felony, seriousness level I).
If the amount of damage exceeds $50, but is no more than $250, the person is guilty of Malicious Mischief in the third degree (gross misdemeanor).
If the amount of damage is $50 or less, the person is guilty of Malicious Mischief in the third degree (misdemeanor).

Summary of Bill:

The threshold amounts for determining the degree of Malicious Mischief are increased:

If the amount of damage exceeds $2,500, the person is guilty of Malicious Mischief in the first degree.
If the amount of damage exceeds $500, but is no more than $2,500, the person is guilty of Malicious Mischief in the second degree.
If the amount of damage exceeds $100, but is no more than $500, the person is guilty of Malicious Mischief in the third degree (gross misdemeanor).
If the amount of damage is $100 or less, the person is guilty of Malicious Mischief in the third degree (misdemeanor).

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Preliminary fiscal note available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.