Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
HB 1806
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 monetary penalties for crimes committed by corporations.
Sponsors: Representatives Pellicciotti, Lovick, Dolan, Goodman, Stanford, Riccelli, Ryu, Bergquist, Kilduff, Pollet, Sells, Orwall, Robinson, Stonier, Macri, Clibborn, Pettigrew, Chapman, Gregerson, McBride, Tharinger, Fitzgibbon, Wylie, Sawyer, Appleton, Doglio, Hudgins, Farrell, Ormsby, Senn, Fey, Frame and Jinkins.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/13/17
Staff: Kelly Leonard (786-7147).
Background:
Classification of Crimes. Crimes are classified as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies. The classification of a crime generally determines the maximum term of confinement (prison or jail) and/or fine for an offense. For each classification, the maximum terms of confinement and maximum fines are as follows:
Classification | Maximum Confinement | Maximum Fine |
Misdemeanor | 90 days | $1,000 |
Gross Misdemeanor | 364 days | $5,000 |
Class C Felony | 5 years | $10,000 |
Class B Felony | 10 years | $20,000 |
Class A Felony | Life | $50,000 |
When someone is convicted of a felony, the Sentencing Reform Act applies and determines a specific range of confinement for the offender within the statutory maximum.
Crimes Committed by Corporations. Other maximum fines are established for corporations convicted of crimes in some circumstances. If a prescribed penalty is incapable of execution or enforcement against a corporation, the maximum fines are as follows:
Classification | Maximum Fine |
Misdemeanor | $500 |
Gross Misdemeanor | $1,000 |
Felony | $10,000 |
Summary of Bill:
The maximum fines established for corporations convicted of offenses are modified. When a corporation is convicted of any criminal offense, the maximum fines are as follows:
Classification | Maximum Fine |
Misdemeanor | $50,000 |
Gross Misdemeanor | $250,000 |
Class C Felony | $750,000 |
Class A or B Felony | $1,000,000 |
However, if a special fine for a corporation is expressly specified for an offense, then the special fine applies.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 10, 2017.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.