Bill to help implement felony DUI law passes Legislature

April 11, 2007

OLYMPIA – A law passed last year to crack down on drunk driving will now accurately track DUI offenses under a measure passed today by the Senate. Without the measure, the felony DUI law would be inconsistent and hinder its enforcement.

The House has already passed bill and it will now be sent to the governor for consideration. Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland) is sponsoring the measure he hopes will lead to fewer DUI-related accidents and fatalities.

“Our communities will be safer with stronger DUI laws aimed to keep repeat offenders off the roads,” Goodman said. “People need to know that when you drive drunk, you’re putting lives at risk and it won’t be tolerated.”

Legislation passed in 2006 made getting a fourth DUI in ten years a class C felony. The original bill didn’t completely define how to calculate the ten years. Goodman’s bill clarifies that timeframe, defining it from when they were first arrested to the current arrest date.

“Drunk driving continues to be a significant cause of injury and death on our roads,” Goodman said. “These are preventable accidents and this law will help save lives and enhance road safety.”

Goodman is a criminal justice policy consultant serving his first term in the Legislature.

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Staff contact - Andrew Dziedzic, (360) 786-7218

HB 2130: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2130&year=2007

To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or 360.786.7208.