The bill amends existing Washington state laws regarding the penalties for theft and possession of stolen property, specifically targeting items taken from first responders. It introduces new criteria for classifying possession of stolen property in the first degree, which now includes not only items exceeding five thousand dollars in value but also property or equipment critical to the work of firefighters or emergency medical service providers that is taken from their facilities or vehicles. This change aims to enhance protections for first responders by imposing stricter penalties for theft of their essential equipment.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of theft in the first degree to include the theft of property or equipment used by first responders, aligning it with the new provisions for possession of stolen property. This inclusion emphasizes the importance of safeguarding resources vital for emergency services. Both offenses are classified as class B felonies, maintaining a consistent level of severity for these crimes.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9A.56.150, 9A.56.030
Substitute Bill: 9A.56.150, 9A.56.030