HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5089
BYSenate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Halsan, Vognild, Talmadge, Bailey, Stratton, Newhouse, Benitz, Kreidler, Bauer, Johnson, Gaspard and Moore)
Prescribing penalties for homicide by abuse.
House Committe on Ways & Means
Majority Report: Do pass with amendments. (23)
Signed by Representatives Locke, Chair; Allen, Belcher, Braddock, Brekke, Bristow, Ebersole, Fuhrman, Grant, Grimm, Hine, Holland, McLean, McMullen, Nealey, Niemi, Peery, Sayan, Silver, L. Smith, H. Sommers, Sprenkle and B. Williams.
House Staff:Jim Lux (786-7152)
AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 15, 1987
BACKGROUND:
Murder in the first degree is committed by a person who kills another with premeditated intent, or who kills another by conduct creating a grave risk of death and under circumstances showing an extreme indifference to human life, or who kills another during the commission of certain other crimes, including robbery, rape, burglary, arson or kidnapping. First degree murder is a class A felony, and under the sentencing reform act has a presumptive sentence for a first-time offender of 20 years in prison.
Murder in the second degree is committed by a person who intentionally, but not necessarily with premeditation, kills another, or who kills another in the course of any felony other than those mentioned above in connection with first degree murder. Second degree murder is a class A felony, and under the sentencing reform act has a presumptive sentence for a first-time offender of 12 years in prison.
Manslaughter in the first degree is committed by a person who recklessly causes the death of another, or who intentionally and unlawfully causes the death of an unborn child. First degree manslaughter is a class B felony, and under the sentencing reform act has a presumptive sentence for a first-time offender of three years.
SUMMARY:
The new crime of homicide by abuse is created. A person commits the crime by killing a member of a certain class of victims under circumstances showing an extreme indifference to life and after a pattern of assault or torture against the victim. The class of victims covered by the crime includes children under the age of 16, the developmentally disabled and dependent adults. Dependent adults include those who are dependent on another person for the necessities of life because of a disability or extreme age.
Homicide by abuse is a class A felony. It is ranked the same as First degree murder under the sentencing reform act, and has a presumptive sentence for a first-time offender of 20 years.
Fiscal Note: Requested April 7, 1987.
House Committee ‑ Testified For: None Presented.
House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.
House Committee - Testimony For: None Presented.
House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.