Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
HB 2260
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: Adding the crime of sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree to crimes that can be prosecuted up to six years after the offense.
Sponsors: Representatives Klippert and Hayes.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/15/16
Staff: Kelly Leonard (786-7147).
Background:
Sexual Misconduct with a Minor in the First Degree. A person is guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree when:
the person has, or knowingly causes another person under the age of 18 to have, sexual intercourse with another person who is at least 16 years old but less than 18 years old and not married to the perpetrator, if the perpetrator is at least 60 months older than the victim, is in a significant relationship to the victim, and abuses a supervisory position within that relationship in order to engage in or cause another person under the age of 18 to engage in sexual intercourse with the victim;
the person is a school employee who has, or knowingly causes another person under the age of 18 to have, sexual intercourse with an enrolled student of the school who is at least 16 years old and not more than 21 years old and not married to the employee, if the employee is at least 60 months older than the student; or
the person is a foster parent who has, or knowingly causes another person under the age of 18 to have, sexual intercourse with his or her foster child who is at least 16.
Sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree is a class C felony with a seriousness level of V.
Statute of Limitations. A statute of limitation is a time limit for initiating prosecution after a crime is committed. The time limit varies depending on the type of crime. For sexual misconduct in the first degree, the crime may not be prosecuted more than three years after the date of commission.
Summary of Bill:
The statute of limitations for Sexual Misconduct with a Minor in the first degree is extended. The crime may not be prosecuted more than six years after the date of commission or discovery, whichever occurs later.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.