OLYMPIA – The House of Representatives passed the Corporate Crime Act (HB 1252) which would increase fines for corporations who commit crimes. The bill, which passed unanimously, is sponsored by Rep. Mike Pellicciotti, D-Federal Way. Current penalties have not been updated since 1925.
“It’s embarrassing that these penalties have not increased since before our legislative capitol building was built,” said Pellicciotti. “It is past time the legislature hold corporate entities accountable when they violate the public trust. Corporations should not get slaps on the wrist for committing crimes that would send a person to up to life in prison.”
The bill penalizes corporations up to $1,000,000 for serious crimes. Current law caps corporate criminal fines at just $10,000 – regardless of the severity of the crime.
HB 1252 moves to the Senate for consideration.
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