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Committee hears bill to criminalize theft of critical equipment from fire and EMS facilities
Summary
Senate Bill 5323 would expand first‑degree theft and possession of stolen property to include stolen equipment taken from fire stations, EMS facilities or vehicles when the items are critical to first responders' emergency work. Supporters cited rural vulnerabilities; critics urged clearer limits to avoid criminalizing de minimis thefts.
Olympia, March 17 — The House Community Safety Committee heard testimony Monday on Substitute Senate Bill 5323, a proposal to broaden first‑degree theft and possession statutes to cover equipment stolen from firefighters and emergency medical providers when taken from stations, emergency buildings or vehicles and when the property is critical to emergency response.
Senator Judy Warnick, sponsor of the bill, told the committee she introduced the measure after a volunteer firefighter in her rural legislative district reported that parts or equipment had been stolen and left a station unable to respond. "We need to make it…
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