Once again, local lawmakers are working to increase penalties and fines DUI (both Rx and non-Rx drugs and alcohol) and for vehicular homicide.
The current vehicular homicide law puts first-time offenders in a position of a jail sentence of about 2.5 to 3.5 years.House Bill 2216 would more than double the jail.
HB 2302, sponsored by Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, would make additional CPS requirements for those with children found in a vehicle with a parent or guardian under the influence.The bill would increase the age limit from 13 to 16 years.
HB 2443, would requirement an ignition interlock in cases reduced from DUI to reckless driving. The bill also amendsthe term “drug” to include any chemicals that may be inhaled or ingested for intoxicating or hallucinatory effects, such as benzine and nitric oxide. The bill also removes the implied consent (that is, it allows a breath or blood test without the suspect’s consent) for those under suspicion of felony DUI.HB 2405, allows courts to make those convicted of DUI pay additional costs to support families of vehicular homicide drunk driving victims.
See the full story at the Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2017562622_lawmakersseektotoughenduirelatedlaws.html
