SB 5037 - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Makes a fourth driving under the influence offense a felony.

 
VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5037

May 16, 2017

To the Honorable President and Members,
The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval as to Section 5, Senate Bill No. 5037 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to making a fourth driving under the influence offense a felony."

Section 5 of this bill increases the $200 fee assed to alcohol violators by $50. The revenue is used to fund grants to organizations that operate programs to reduce driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This language is nearly identical to Section 13 of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1614, which passed on April 21, 2017, and will soon be signed into law. However, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1614 includes a provision that a minimum of $300,000 of these grant funds shall support newly established pilot programs for persons with two or more prior offenses in seven years, a preferable approach.

For these reasons I have vetoed Section 5 of Senate Bill No. 5037.

With the exception of Section 5, Senate Bill No. 5037 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,
Jay Inslee
Governor