HB 1252, sponsored by Rep. Mike Pellicciotti (D–Federal Way) modifies the criminal corporate liability standards to include “business entities.” The bill also significantly increases the fines. The existing maximum fines are $500 for a misdemeanor, $1,000 for a gross misdemeanor, and $10,000 for a felony offense. HB 1252 would establish the following maximum fines:

• Misdemeanor – $50,000
• Gross Misdemeanor – $250,000
• Class C Felony – $500,000
• Class B Felony – $750,000
• Class A Felony – $1,000,000

The bill also establishes that a business entity convicted of an offense may be ordered to pay legal financial obligations (LFOs), including restitution, crime victims' assessments, costs, fines, penalties, and other assessments authorized or required by law.

AWC supports the bill.

Dates to remember

HB 1252 passed out of the House of Representatives unanimously. The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Law & Justice Committee at 8:30 am on Monday, February 25.