HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6565
BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senator Owen)
Prohibiting interfering with public safety radio communications.
House Committe on State Government
Majority Report: Do pass. (9)
Signed by Representatives H. Sommers, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; Baugher, Chandler, Hankins, O'Brien, Peery, Taylor and Walk.
House Staff:Ken Conte (786-7135)
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT FEBRUARY 25, 1988
BACKGROUND:
On several occasions, mobile radio frequencies of local law enforcement agencies in the Puget Sound region have been interrupted by unauthorized persons. Certain frequencies are reserved for public safety communications, however it is not uncommon for civilian radio operators to have the technical capability to operate on a radio frequency used by law enforcement agencies.
General jurisdiction over allocation of radio frequencies, regulation of licensees, and oversight of violations lies in the purview of the Federal Communications Commission. It is a violation of federal law for a person to conduct radio communications over a frequency which that person is not licensed to operate.
At the state level, there are laws which prohibit wilful obstruction of a government official carrying out his or her duties. In addition, a person who physically damages or tampers with a form of public communication and intentionally creates a situation where a public service might be interrupted, is guilty of second degree malicious mischief.
SUMMARY:
Intentional interference with a public safety radio communication is included as a form of second degree malicious mischief.
Fiscal Note: Not Requested.
House Committee ‑ Testified For: Senator Brad Owen, Prime Sponsor.
House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.
House Committee - Testimony For: This bill clarifies an ambiguity in existing law so that someone who interferes with law enforcement radio frequencies can be prosecuted under state law.
House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.