Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Public Safety Committee

HB 2506

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Making felony driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug a class B felony.

Sponsors: Representatives Klippert, Fey, Haler, Hayes and Morrell.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases a felony level Driving Under the Influence offense from a class C felony to a class B felony offense.

Hearing Date: 2/4/14

Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).

Background:

A person can commit Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or being in Physical Control (PC) of a motor vehicle Under the Influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person drives with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) concentration of 5.0 or higher, or is Under the Influence of or affected by liquor or any drug. A DUI/PC offense is punishable as a gross misdemeanor. It becomes a class C felony if a person has four or more prior offenses within 10 years.

A class C felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both imprisonment and a fine.

Summary of Bill:

A felony level DUI offense is increased to a class B felony offense (from a class C felony). The statutory maximum sentence for a class B felony offense is 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $20,000, or by both imprisonment and a fine.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2014.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.