HB 1708 - DIGEST

     Declares that a person who operates a motor vehicle within this state is deemed to have given consent, subject to RCW 46.61.506, to a test of his or her breath for the purpose of determining the alcohol concentration in his or her breath if:  (1) The person is involved in a motor vehicle accident in which there has been a fatality; and

     (2) an officer on the scene believes that the person violated chapter 46.61 RCW and the violation caused the motor vehicle accident.

     Provides that the test of breath must be administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer on the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident who believes that the person violated chapter 46.61 RCW and the violation caused the motor vehicle accident.  The officer shall inform the person of his or her right to refuse the breath test.  The officer shall warn the driver that he or she will be guilty of a class 3 civil infraction if he or she refuses to submit to the test.

     Requires every hospital to, on or before the tenth day of each month, report in writing to the chief of the Washington state patrol any toxicology report taken during the preceding calendar month from a person hospitalized as a result of an accident in which there has been a fatality that shows that the person may have been under the influence of intoxicating liquor at the time of the accident.