CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

 

               SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 3070

 

 

                   Chapter 207, Laws of 1998

 

                         (partial veto)

 

 

 

                        55th Legislature

                      1998 Regular Session

 

 

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE--INCREASING PENALTIES

 

 

 

                    EFFECTIVE DATE:  1/1/99

Passed by the House March 9, 1998 

Yeas 95   Nays 0

 

 

 

             CLYDE BALLARD

Speaker of the

      House of Representatives

 

Passed by the Senate March 5, 1998

  Yeas 46   Nays 0

             CERTIFICATE

 

I, Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 3070  as passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on the dates hereon set forth.

 

 

 

               BRAD OWEN

President of the Senate

          TIMOTHY A. MARTIN

                          Chief Clerk

 

 

Approved March 30, 1998, with the exception of sections 6 and 11, which are vetoed.Place Style On Codes above, and Style Off Codes below.    

                                FILED          

 

 

           March 30, 1998 - 2:44 p.m.

 

 

 

              GARY LOCKE

Governor of the State of Washington

                   Secretary of State

                  State of Washington


          _______________________________________________

 

                 SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 3070

          _______________________________________________

 

                                

 

                     AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

 

             Passed Legislature - 1998 Regular Session

 

State of Washington      55th Legislature     1998 Regular Session

 

By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives McCune and Mulliken)

 

Read first time 02/07/98.  Referred to Committee on .

Increasing penalties for drunk driving.  


    AN ACT Relating to penalties for driving under the influence; amending RCW 46.61.5058, 46.01.260, 46.20.285, 46.61.503, 46.20.308, 46.20.3101, and 46.20.391; reenacting and amending RCW 46.61.5055; adding a new section to chapter 46.61 RCW; creating new sections; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

    Sec. 1.  RCW 46.61.5055 and 1997 c 229 s 11 and 1997 c 66 s 14 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

    (1) A person who is convicted of a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 and who has no prior offense within ((five)) seven years shall be punished as follows:

    (a) In the case of a person whose alcohol concentration was less than 0.15, or for whom for reasons other than the person's refusal to take a test offered pursuant to RCW 46.20.308 there is no test result indicating the person's alcohol concentration:

    (i) By imprisonment for not less than one day nor more than one year.  Twenty-four consecutive hours of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being.  Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

    (ii) By a fine of not less than three hundred fifty dollars nor more than five thousand dollars.  Three hundred fifty dollars of the fine may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds the offender to be indigent; and

    (iii) By suspension of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of ninety days.  The period of license, permit, or privilege suspension may not be suspended.  The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall suspend the offender's license, permit, or privilege; or

    (b) In the case of a person whose alcohol concentration was at least 0.15, or for whom by reason of the person's refusal to take a test offered pursuant to RCW 46.20.308 there is no test result indicating the person's alcohol concentration:

    (i) By imprisonment for not less than two days nor more than one year.  Two consecutive days of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being.  Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

    (ii) By a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars.  Five hundred dollars of the fine may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds the offender to be indigent; and

    (iii) By revocation of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of one year.  The period of license, permit, or privilege suspension may not be suspended.  The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall suspend the offender's license, permit, or privilege.

    (2) A person who is convicted of a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 and who has one prior offense within ((five)) seven years shall be punished as follows:

    (a) In the case of a person whose alcohol concentration was less than 0.15, or for whom for reasons other than the person's refusal to take a test offered pursuant to RCW 46.20.308 there is no test result indicating the person's alcohol concentration:

    (i) By imprisonment for not less than thirty days nor more than one year.  Thirty days of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being.  Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

    (ii) By a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars.  Five hundred dollars of the fine may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds the offender to be indigent; and

    (iii) By revocation of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of two years.  The period of license, permit, or privilege revocation may not be suspended.  The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall revoke the offender's license, permit, or privilege; or

    (b) In the case of a person whose alcohol concentration was at least 0.15, or for whom by reason of the person's refusal to take a test offered pursuant to RCW 46.20.308 there is no test result indicating the person's alcohol concentration:

    (i) By imprisonment for not less than forty-five days nor more than one year.  Forty-five days of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being.  Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

    (ii) By a fine of not less than seven hundred fifty dollars nor more than five thousand dollars.  Seven hundred fifty dollars of the fine may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds the offender to be indigent; and

    (iii) By revocation of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of nine hundred days.  The period of license, permit, or privilege revocation may not be suspended.  The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall revoke the offender's license, permit, or privilege.

    (3) A person who is convicted of a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 and who has two or more prior offenses within ((five)) seven years shall be punished as follows:

    (a) In the case of a person whose alcohol concentration was less than 0.15, or for whom for reasons other than the person's refusal to take a test offered pursuant to RCW 46.20.308 there is no test result indicating the person's alcohol concentration:

    (i) By imprisonment for not less than ninety days nor more than one year.  Ninety days of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being.  Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

    (ii) By a fine of not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars.  One thousand dollars of the fine may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds the offender to be indigent; and

    (iii) By revocation of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of three years.  The period of license, permit, or privilege revocation may not be suspended.  The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall revoke the offender's license, permit, or privilege; or

    (b) In the case of a person whose alcohol concentration was at least 0.15, or for whom by reason of the person's refusal to take a test offered pursuant to RCW 46.20.308 there is no test result indicating the person's alcohol concentration:

    (i) By imprisonment for not less than one hundred twenty days nor more than one year.  One hundred twenty days of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being.  Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

    (ii) By a fine of not less than one thousand five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars.  One thousand five hundred dollars of the fine may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds the offender to be indigent; and

    (iii) By revocation of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of four years.  The period of license, permit, or privilege revocation may not be suspended.  The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall revoke the offender's license, permit, or privilege.

    (4) In exercising its discretion in setting penalties within the limits allowed by this section, the court shall particularly consider whether the person's driving at the time of the offense was responsible for injury or damage to another or another's property.

    (5) An offender punishable under this section is subject to the alcohol assessment and treatment provisions of RCW 46.61.5056.

    (6) After expiration of any period of suspension or revocation of the offender's license, permit, or privilege to drive required by this section, the department shall place the offender's driving privilege in probationary status pursuant to RCW 46.20.355.

    (7)(a) In addition to any nonsuspendable and nondeferrable jail sentence required by this section, whenever the court imposes less than one year in jail, the court shall also suspend but shall not defer a period of confinement for a period not exceeding two years.  The court shall impose conditions of probation that include:  (i) Not driving a motor vehicle within this state without a valid license to drive and proof of financial responsibility for the future; (ii) not driving a motor vehicle within this state while having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours after driving; and (iii) not refusing to submit to a test of his or her breath or blood to determine alcohol concentration upon request of a law enforcement officer who has reasonable grounds to believe the person was driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.  The court may impose conditions of probation that include nonrepetition, installation of an ignition interlock or other biological or technical device on the probationer's motor vehicle, alcohol or drug treatment, supervised probation, or other conditions that may be appropriate.  The sentence may be imposed in whole or in part upon violation of a condition of probation during the suspension period.

    (b) For each violation of mandatory conditions of probation under (a)(i) and (ii) or (a)(i) and (iii) of this subsection, the court shall order the convicted person to be confined for thirty days, which shall not be suspended or deferred.

    (c) For each incident involving a violation of a mandatory condition of probation imposed under this subsection, the license, permit, or privilege to drive of the person shall be suspended by the court for thirty days or, if such license, permit, or privilege to drive already is suspended, revoked, or denied at the time the finding of probation violation is made, the suspension, revocation, or denial then in effect shall be extended by thirty days.  The court shall notify the department of any suspension, revocation, or denial or any extension of a suspension, revocation, or denial imposed under this subsection.

    (8)(a) A "prior offense" means any of the following:

    (i) A conviction for a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or an equivalent local ordinance;

    (ii) A conviction for a violation of RCW 46.61.504 or an equivalent local ordinance;

    (iii) A conviction for a violation of RCW 46.61.520 committed while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug;

    (iv) A conviction for a violation of RCW 46.61.522 committed while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug;

    (v) A conviction for a violation of RCW 46.61.5249 or an equivalent local ordinance, if the conviction is the result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance, or of RCW 46.61.520 or 46.61.522;

    (vi) An out-of-state conviction for a violation that would have been a violation of (a)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v) of this subsection if committed in this state;

    (vii) A deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW granted in a prosecution for a violation of RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance; or

    (viii) A deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW granted in a prosecution for a violation of RCW 46.61.5249, or an equivalent local ordinance, if the charge under which the deferred prosecution was granted was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance, or of RCW 46.61.520 or 46.61.522.

    (b) "Within ((five)) seven years" means that the arrest for a prior offense occurred within ((five)) seven years of the arrest for the current offense.

 

    Sec. 2.  RCW 46.61.5058 and 1995 c 332 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Upon the arrest of a person or upon the filing of a complaint, citation, or information in a court of competent jurisdiction, based upon probable cause to believe that a person has violated RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 or any similar municipal ordinance, if such person has a prior offense within ((five)) seven years as defined in RCW 46.61.5055, and where the person has been provided written notice that any transfer, sale, or encumbrance of such person's interest in the vehicle over which that person was actually driving or had physical control when the violation occurred, is unlawful pending either acquittal, dismissal, sixty days after conviction, or other termination of the charge, such person shall be prohibited from encumbering, selling, or transferring his or her interest in such vehicle, except as otherwise provided in (a), (b), and (c) of this subsection, until either acquittal, dismissal, sixty days after conviction, or other termination of the charge.  The prohibition against transfer of title shall not be stayed pending the determination of an appeal from the conviction.

    (a) A vehicle encumbered by a bona fide security interest may be transferred to the secured party or to a person designated by the secured party;

    (b) A leased or rented vehicle may be transferred to the lessor, rental agency, or to a person designated by the lessor or rental agency; and

    (c) A vehicle may be transferred to a third party or a vehicle dealer who is a bona fide purchaser or may be subject to a bona fide security interest in the vehicle unless it is established that (i) in the case of a purchase by a third party or vehicle dealer, such party or dealer had actual notice that the vehicle was subject to the prohibition prior to the purchase, or (ii) in the case of a security interest, the holder of the security interest had actual notice that the vehicle was subject to the prohibition prior to the encumbrance of title.

    (2) On conviction for a violation of either RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 or any similar municipal ordinance where the person convicted has a prior offense within ((five)) seven years as defined in RCW 46.61.5055, the motor vehicle the person was driving or over which the person had actual physical control at the time of the offense, if the person has a financial interest in the vehicle, is subject to seizure and forfeiture pursuant to this section.

    (3) A vehicle subject to forfeiture under this chapter may be seized by a law enforcement officer of this state upon process issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.  Seizure of a vehicle may be made without process if the vehicle subject to seizure has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the state in a forfeiture proceeding based upon this section.

    (4) Seizure under subsection (3) of this section automatically commences proceedings for forfeiture.  The law enforcement agency under whose authority the seizure was made shall cause notice of the seizure and intended forfeiture of the seized vehicle to be served within fifteen days after the seizure on the owner of the vehicle seized, on the person in charge of the vehicle, and on any person having a known right or interest in the vehicle, including a community property interest.  The notice of seizure may be served by any method authorized by law or court rule, including but not limited to service by certified mail with return receipt requested.  Service by mail is complete upon mailing within the fifteen-day period after the seizure.  Notice of seizure in the case of property subject to a security interest that has been perfected on a certificate of title shall be made by service upon the secured party or the secured party's assignee at the address shown on the financing statement or the certificate of title.

    (5) If no person notifies the seizing law enforcement agency in writing of the person's claim of ownership or right to possession of the seized vehicle within forty-five days of the seizure, the vehicle is deemed forfeited.

    (6) If a person notifies the seizing law enforcement agency in writing of the person's claim of ownership or right to possession of the seized vehicle within forty-five days of the seizure, the law enforcement agency shall give the person or persons a reasonable opportunity to be heard as to the claim or right.  The hearing shall be before the chief law enforcement officer of the seizing agency or the chief law enforcement officer's designee, except where the seizing agency is a state agency as defined in RCW 34.12.020, the hearing shall be before the chief law enforcement officer of the seizing agency or an administrative law judge appointed under chapter 34.12 RCW, except that any person asserting a claim or right may remove the matter to a court of competent jurisdiction.  Removal may only be accomplished according to the rules of civil procedure.  The person seeking removal of the matter must serve process against the state, county, political subdivision, or municipality that operates the seizing agency, and any other party of interest, in accordance with RCW 4.28.080 or 4.92.020, within forty-five days after the person seeking removal has notified the seizing law enforcement agency of the person's claim of ownership or right to possession.  The court to which the matter is to be removed shall be the district court when the aggregate value of the vehicle is within the jurisdictional limit set forth in RCW 3.66.020.  A hearing before the seizing agency and any appeal therefrom shall be under Title 34 RCW.  In a court hearing between two or more claimants to the vehicle involved, the prevailing party shall be entitled to a judgment for costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.  The burden of producing evidence shall be upon the person claiming to be the legal owner or the person claiming to have the lawful right to possession of the vehicle.  The seizing law enforcement agency shall promptly return the vehicle to the claimant upon a determination by the administrative law judge or court that the claimant is the present legal owner under Title 46 RCW or is lawfully entitled to possession of the vehicle.

    (7) When a vehicle is forfeited under this chapter the seizing law enforcement agency may sell the vehicle, retain it for official use, or upon application by a law enforcement agency of this state release the vehicle to that agency for the exclusive use of enforcing this title; provided, however, that the agency shall first satisfy any bona fide security interest to which the vehicle is subject under subsection (1) (a) or (c) of this section.

    (8) When a vehicle is forfeited, the seizing agency shall keep a record indicating the identity of the prior owner, if known, a description of the vehicle, the disposition of the vehicle, the value of the vehicle at the time of seizure, and the amount of proceeds realized from disposition of the vehicle.

    (9) Each seizing agency shall retain records of forfeited vehicles for at least seven years.

    (10) Each seizing agency shall file a report including a copy of the records of forfeited vehicles with the state treasurer each calendar quarter.

    (11) The quarterly report need not include a record of a forfeited vehicle that is still being held for use as evidence during the investigation or prosecution of a case or during the appeal from a conviction.

    (12) By January 31st of each year, each seizing agency shall remit to the state treasurer an amount equal to ten percent of the net proceeds of vehicles forfeited during the preceding calendar year.  Money remitted shall be deposited in the public safety and education account.

    (13) The net proceeds of a forfeited vehicle is the value of the forfeitable interest in the vehicle after deducting the cost of satisfying a bona fide security interest to which the vehicle is subject at the time of seizure; and in the case of a sold vehicle, after deducting the cost of sale, including reasonable fees or commissions paid to independent selling agents.

    (14) The value of a sold forfeited vehicle is the sale price.  The value of a retained forfeited vehicle is the fair market value of the vehicle at the time of seizure, determined when possible by reference to an applicable commonly used index, such as the index used by the department of licensing.  A seizing agency may, but need not, use an independent qualified appraiser to determine the value of retained vehicles.  If an appraiser is used, the value of the vehicle appraised is net of the cost of the appraisal.

 

    Sec. 3.  RCW 46.01.260 and 1997 c 66 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the director, in his or her discretion, may destroy applications for vehicle licenses, copies of vehicle licenses issued, applications for drivers' licenses, copies of issued drivers' licenses, certificates of title and registration or other documents, records or supporting papers on file in his or her office which have been microfilmed or photographed or are more than five years old.  If the applications for vehicle licenses are renewal applications, the director may destroy such applications when the computer record thereof has been updated.

    (2)(a) The director shall not destroy records of convictions or adjudications of RCW 46.61.520 and 46.61.522 or records of deferred prosecutions granted under RCW 10.05.120 and shall maintain such records permanently on file.

    (b) The director shall not, within ((ten)) fifteen years from the date of conviction((,)) or adjudication((, or entry of deferred prosecution)), destroy records of the following:

    (i) Convictions or adjudications of the following offenses: RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504; or

    (ii) If the offense was originally charged as one of the offenses designated in (a) or (b)(i) of this subsection, convictions or adjudications of the following offenses:  RCW 46.61.500 or 46.61.5249 or any other violation that was originally charged as one of the offenses designated in (a) or (b)(i) of this subsection((; or

    (iii) Deferred prosecutions granted under RCW 10.05.120)).

    (c) For purposes of RCW 46.52.100 and 46.52.130, offenses subject to this subsection shall be considered "alcohol-related" offenses.

 

    Sec. 4.  RCW 46.20.285 and 1996 c 199 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

    The department shall forthwith revoke the license of any driver for the period of one calendar year unless otherwise provided in this section, upon receiving a record of the driver's conviction of any of the following offenses, when the conviction has become final:

    (1) For vehicular homicide the period of revocation shall be two years.  The revocation period shall be tolled during any period of total confinement for the offense;

    (2) Vehicular assault.  The revocation period shall be tolled during any period of total confinement for the offense;

    (3) Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a narcotic drug, or under the influence of any other drug to a degree which renders the driver incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle, ((upon a showing by the department's records that the conviction is the second such conviction for the driver within a period of five years.  Upon a showing that the conviction is the third such conviction for the driver within a period of five years, the period of revocation shall be two years)) for the period prescribed in RCW 46.61.5055;

    (4) Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used;

    (5) Failure to stop and give information or render aid as required under the laws of this state in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another or resulting in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by another;

    (6) Perjury or the making of a false affidavit or statement under oath to the department under Title 46 RCW or under any other law relating to the ownership or operation of motor vehicles;

    (7) Reckless driving upon a showing by the department's records that the conviction is the third such conviction for the driver within a period of two years.

 

    Sec. 5.  RCW 46.61.503 and 1995 c 332 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a person is guilty of driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol if the person operates a motor vehicle within this state and the person:

    (a) Is under the age of twenty-one;

    (b) Has, within two hours after operating the motor vehicle, an alcohol concentration of ((0.02 or more)) at least 0.02 but less than the concentration specified in RCW 46.61.502, as shown by analysis of the person's breath or blood made under RCW 46.61.506.

    (2) It is an affirmative defense to a violation of subsection (1) of this section which the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant consumed a sufficient quantity of alcohol after the time of driving and before the administration of an analysis of the person's breath or blood to cause the defendant's alcohol concentration to be ((0.02 or more)) in violation of subsection (1) of this section within two hours after driving.  The court shall not admit evidence of this defense unless the defendant notifies the prosecution prior to the earlier of:  (a) Seven days prior to trial; or (b) the omnibus or pretrial hearing in the case of the defendant's intent to assert the affirmative defense.

    (3) Analyses of blood or breath samples obtained more than two hours after the alleged driving may be used as evidence that within two hours of the alleged driving, a person had an alcohol concentration ((of 0.02 or more)) in violation of subsection (1) of this section.

    (4) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

 

    *NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6.  A new section is added to chapter 46.61 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) A defendant who is arrested for an offense involving driving while under the influence as defined in RCW 46.61.502, driving under age twenty-one after consuming alcohol as defined in RCW 46.61.503, or being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence as defined in RCW 46.61.504, shall be required to appear in person before a magistrate within one judicial day after the arrest.

    (2) A defendant who is charged by citation, complaint, or information with an offense involving driving while under the influence as defined in RCW 46.61.502, driving under age twenty-one after consuming alcohol as defined in RCW 46.61.503, or being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence as defined in RCW 46.61.504, and who is not arrested, shall appear in court for arraignment in person as soon as practicable, but in no event later than fourteen days after the next day on which court is in session following the issuance of the citation or the filing of the complaint or information.

    (3) At the time of an appearance required by this section, the court shall determine the necessity of imposing conditions of pretrial release according to the procedures established by court rule for a preliminary appearance or an arraignment.

    (4) Appearances required by this section are mandatory and may not be waived.

*Sec. 6 was vetoed.  See message at end of chapter.

 

    Sec. 7.  RCW 46.20.308 and 1995 c 332 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Any person who operates a motor vehicle within this state is deemed to have given consent, subject to the provisions of RCW 46.61.506, to a test or tests of his or her breath or blood for the purpose of determining the alcohol concentration or presence of any drug in his or her breath or blood if arrested for any offense where, at the time of the arrest, the arresting officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or was in violation of RCW 46.61.503.

    (2) The test or tests of breath shall be administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer having reasonable grounds to believe the person to have been driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or the person to have been driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while having alcohol in a concentration ((of 0.02 or more)) in violation of RCW 46.61.503 in his or her system and being under the age of twenty-one.  However, in those instances where the person is incapable due to physical injury, physical incapacity, or other physical limitation, of providing a breath sample or where the person is being treated in a hospital, clinic, doctor's office, emergency medical vehicle, ambulance, or other similar facility in which a breath testing instrument is not present or where the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person is under the influence of a drug, a blood test shall be administered by a qualified person as provided in RCW 46.61.506(4).  The officer shall inform the person of his or her right to refuse the breath or blood test, and of his or her right to have additional tests administered by any qualified person of his or her choosing as provided in RCW 46.61.506.  The officer shall warn the driver that:

    (a) His or her license, permit, or privilege to drive will be revoked or denied if he or she refuses to submit to the test;

    (b) His or her license, permit, or privilege to drive will be suspended, revoked, denied, or placed in probationary status if the test is administered and the test indicates the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood is 0.10 or more, in the case of a person age twenty-one or over, or ((0.02 or more)) in violation of RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.503, or 46.61.504 in the case of a person under age twenty-one; and

    (c) His or her refusal to take the test may be used in a criminal trial.

    (3) Except as provided in this section, the test administered shall be of the breath only.  If an individual is unconscious or is under arrest for the crime of vehicular homicide as provided in RCW 46.61.520 or vehicular assault as provided in RCW 46.61.522, or if an individual is under arrest for the crime of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs as provided in RCW 46.61.502, which arrest results from an accident in which there has been serious bodily injury to another person, a breath or blood test may be administered without the consent of the individual so arrested.

    (4) Any person who is dead, unconscious, or who is otherwise in a condition rendering him or her incapable of refusal, shall be deemed not to have withdrawn the consent provided by subsection (1) of this section and the test or tests may be administered, subject to the provisions of RCW 46.61.506, and the person shall be deemed to have received the warnings required under subsection (2) of this section.

    (5) If, following his or her arrest and receipt of warnings under subsection (2) of this section, the person arrested refuses upon the request of a law enforcement officer to submit to a test or tests of his or her breath or blood, no test shall be given except as authorized under subsection (3) or (4) of this section.

    (6) If, after arrest and after the other applicable conditions and requirements of this section have been satisfied, a test or tests of the person's blood or breath is administered and the test results indicate that the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood is 0.10 or more if the person is age twenty-one or over, or is ((0.02 or more)) in violation of RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.503, or 46.61.504 if the person is under the age of twenty-one, or the person refuses to submit to a test, the arresting officer or other law enforcement officer at whose direction any test has been given, or the department, where applicable, if the arrest results in a test of the person's blood, shall:

    (a) Serve notice in writing on the person on behalf of the department of its intention to suspend, revoke, deny, or place in probationary status the person's license, permit, or privilege to drive as required by subsection (7) of this section;

    (b) Serve notice in writing on the person on behalf of the department of his or her right to a hearing, specifying the steps he or she must take to obtain a hearing as provided by subsection (8) of this section;

    (c) Mark the person's Washington state driver's license or permit to drive, if any, in a manner authorized by the department;

    (d) Serve notice in writing that the marked license or permit, if any, is a temporary license that is valid for sixty days from the date of arrest or from the date notice has been given in the event notice is given by the department following a blood test, or until the suspension, revocation, or denial of the person's license, permit, or privilege to drive is sustained at a hearing pursuant to subsection (8) of this section, whichever occurs first.  No temporary license is valid to any greater degree than the license or permit that it replaces; and

    (e) Immediately notify the department of the arrest and transmit to the department within seventy-two hours, except as delayed as the result of a blood test, a sworn report or report under a declaration authorized by RCW 9A.72.085 that states:

    (i) That the officer had reasonable grounds to believe the arrested person had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, or both, or was under the age of twenty-one years and had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while having an alcohol concentration ((of 0.02 or more)) in violation of RCW 46.61.503;

    (ii) That after receipt of the warnings required by subsection (2) of this section the person refused to submit to a test of his or her blood or breath, or a test was administered and the results indicated that the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood was 0.10 or more if the person is age twenty-one or over, or was ((0.02 or more)) in violation of RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.503, or 46.61.504 if the person is under the age of twenty-one; and

    (iii) Any other information that the director may require by rule.

    (7) The department of licensing, upon the receipt of a sworn report or report under a declaration authorized by RCW 9A.72.085 under subsection (6)(e) of this section, shall suspend, revoke, deny, or place in probationary status the person's license, permit, or privilege to drive or any nonresident operating privilege, as provided in RCW 46.20.3101, such suspension, revocation, denial, or placement in probationary status to be effective beginning sixty days from the date of arrest or from the date notice has been given in the event notice is given by the department following a blood test, or when sustained at a hearing pursuant to subsection (8) of this section, whichever occurs first.

    (8) A person receiving notification under subsection (6)(b) of this section may, within thirty days after the notice has been given, request in writing a formal hearing before the department.  The person shall pay a fee of one hundred dollars as part of the request.  If the request is mailed, it must be postmarked within thirty days after receipt of the notification.  Upon timely receipt of such a request for a formal hearing, including receipt of the required one hundred dollar fee, the department shall afford the person an opportunity for a hearing.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, the hearing is subject to and shall be scheduled and conducted in accordance with RCW 46.20.329 and 46.20.332.  The hearing shall be conducted in the county of the arrest, except that all or part of the hearing may, at the discretion of the department, be conducted by telephone or other electronic means.  The hearing shall be held within sixty days following the arrest or following the date notice has been given in the event notice is given by the department following a blood test, unless otherwise agreed to by the department and the person, in which case the action by the department shall be stayed, and any valid temporary license marked under subsection (6)(c) of this section extended, if the person is otherwise eligible for licensing.  For the purposes of this section, the scope of the hearing shall cover the issues of whether a law enforcement officer had reasonable grounds to believe the person had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while having alcohol in his or her system in a concentration ((of 0.02 or more)) in violation of RCW 46.61.503 and was under the age of twenty-one, whether the person was placed under arrest, and (a) whether the person refused to submit to the test or tests upon request of the officer after having been informed that such refusal would result in the revocation of the person's license, permit, or privilege to drive, or (b) if a test or tests were administered, whether the applicable requirements of this section were satisfied before the administration of the test or tests, whether the person submitted to the test or tests, or whether a test was administered without express consent as permitted under this section, and whether the test or tests indicated that the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood was 0.10 or more if the person was age twenty-one or over at the time of the arrest, or was ((0.02 or more)) in violation of RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.503, or 46.61.504 if the person was under the age of twenty-one at the time of the arrest.  The sworn report or report under a declaration authorized by RCW 9A.72.085 submitted by a law enforcement officer is prima facie evidence that the officer had reasonable grounds to believe the person had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, or both, or the person had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while having alcohol in his or her system in a concentration ((of 0.02 or more)) in violation of RCW 46.61.503 and was under the age of twenty-one and that the officer complied with the requirements of this section.

    A hearing officer shall conduct the hearing, may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, and shall administer oaths to witnesses.  The hearing officer shall not issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness at the request of the person unless the request is accompanied by the fee required by RCW 5.56.010 for a witness in district court.  The sworn report or report under a declaration authorized by RCW 9A.72.085 of the law enforcement officer and any other evidence accompanying the report shall be admissible without further evidentiary foundation and the certifications authorized by the criminal rules for courts of limited jurisdiction shall be admissible without further evidentiary foundation.  The person may be represented by counsel, may question witnesses, may present evidence, and may testify.  The department shall order that the suspension, revocation, denial, or placement in probationary status either be rescinded or sustained.

    (9) If the suspension, revocation, denial, or placement in probationary status is sustained after such a hearing, the person whose license, privilege, or permit is suspended, revoked, denied, or placed in probationary status has the right to file a petition in the superior court of the county of arrest to review the final order of revocation by the department in the same manner as an appeal from a decision of a court of limited jurisdiction.  The appellant must pay the costs associated with obtaining the record of the hearing before the hearing officer.  The filing of the appeal does not stay the effective date of the suspension, revocation, denial, or placement in probationary status.  A petition filed under this subsection must include the petitioner's grounds for requesting review.  Upon granting petitioner's request for review, the court shall review the department's final order of suspension, revocation, denial, or placement in probationary status as expeditiously as possible.  If judicial relief is sought for a stay or other temporary remedy from the department's action, the court shall not grant such relief unless the court finds that the appellant is likely to prevail in the appeal and that without a stay the appellant will suffer irreparable injury.  If the court stays the suspension, revocation, denial, or placement in probationary status it may impose conditions on such stay.

    (10) If a person whose driver's license, permit, or privilege to drive has been or will be suspended, revoked, denied, or placed in probationary status under subsection (7) of this section, other than as a result of a breath test refusal, and who has not committed an offense within the last five years for which he or she was granted a deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW, petitions a court for a deferred prosecution on criminal charges arising out of the arrest for which action has been or will be taken under subsection (7) of this section, the court may direct the department to stay any actual or proposed suspension, revocation, denial, or placement in probationary status for at least forty-five days but not more than ninety days.  If the court stays the suspension, revocation, denial, or placement in probationary status, it may impose conditions on such stay.  If the person is otherwise eligible for licensing, the department shall issue a temporary license, or extend any valid temporary license marked under subsection (6) of this section, for the period of the stay.  If a deferred prosecution treatment plan is not recommended in the report made under RCW 10.05.050, or if treatment is rejected by the court, or if the person declines to accept an offered treatment plan, or if the person violates any condition imposed by the court, then the court shall immediately direct the department to cancel the stay and any temporary marked license or extension of a temporary license issued under this subsection.

    A suspension, revocation, or denial imposed under this section, other than as a result of a breath test refusal, shall be stayed if the person is accepted for deferred prosecution as provided in chapter 10.05 RCW for the incident upon which the suspension, revocation, or denial is based.  If the deferred prosecution is terminated, the stay shall be lifted and the suspension, revocation, or denial reinstated.  If the deferred prosecution is completed, the stay shall be lifted and the suspension, revocation, or denial canceled.

    (11) When it has been finally determined under the procedures of this section that a nonresident's privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state has been suspended, revoked, or denied, the department shall give information in writing of the action taken to the motor vehicle administrator of the state of the person's residence and of any state in which he or she has a license.

 

    Sec. 8.  RCW 46.20.3101 and 1995 c 332 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

    Pursuant to RCW 46.20.308, the department shall suspend, revoke, or deny the arrested person's license, permit, or privilege to drive as follows:

    (1) In the case of a person who has refused a test or tests:

    (a) For a first refusal within ((five)) seven years, where there has not been a previous incident within ((five)) seven years that resulted in administrative action under this section, revocation or denial for one year;

    (b) For a second or subsequent refusal within ((five)) seven years, or for a first refusal where there has been one or more previous incidents within ((five)) seven years that have resulted in administrative action under this section, revocation or denial for two years or until the person reaches age twenty-one, whichever is longer.  A revocation imposed under this subsection (1)(b) shall run consecutively to the period of any suspension, revocation, or denial imposed pursuant to a criminal conviction arising out of the same incident.

    (2) In the case of an incident where a person has submitted to or been administered a test or tests indicating that the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood was 0.10 or more:

    (a) For a first incident within ((five)) seven years, where there has not been a previous incident within ((five)) seven years that resulted in administrative action under this section, placement in probationary status as provided in RCW 46.20.355;

    (b) For a second or subsequent incident within ((five)) seven years, revocation or denial for two years.

    (3) In the case of an incident where a person under age twenty-one has submitted to or been administered a test or tests indicating that the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood was ((0.02 or more)) in violation of RCW 46.61.503:

    (a) For a first incident within ((five)) seven years, suspension or denial for ninety days;

    (b) For a second or subsequent incident within ((five)) seven years, revocation or denial for one year or until the person reaches age twenty-one, whichever is longer.

 

    Sec. 9.  RCW 46.20.391 and 1995 c 332 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Any person licensed under this chapter who is convicted of an offense relating to motor vehicles for which suspension or revocation of the driver's license is mandatory, other than vehicular homicide or vehicular assault, may submit to the department an application for an occupational driver's license.  The department, upon receipt of the prescribed fee and upon determining that the petitioner is engaged in an occupation or trade that makes it essential that the petitioner operate a motor vehicle, may issue an occupational driver's license and may set definite restrictions as provided in RCW 46.20.394.  No person may petition for, and the department shall not issue, an occupational driver's license that is effective during the first thirty days of any suspension or revocation imposed for a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504.  A person aggrieved by the decision of the department on the application for an occupational driver's license may request a hearing as provided by rule of the department.

    (2) An applicant for an occupational driver's license is eligible to receive such license only if:

    (a) Within one year immediately preceding the date of the offense that gave rise to the present conviction, the applicant has not committed any offense relating to motor vehicles for which suspension or revocation of a driver's license is mandatory; and

    (b) Within ((five)) seven years immediately preceding the date of the offense that gave rise to the present conviction, the applicant has not committed any of the following offenses:  (i) Driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor; (ii) vehicular homicide under RCW 46.61.520; or (iii) vehicular assault under RCW 46.61.522; and

    (c) The applicant is engaged in an occupation or trade that makes it essential that he or she operate a motor vehicle; and

    (d) The applicant files satisfactory proof of financial responsibility pursuant to chapter 46.29 RCW.

    (3) The director shall cancel an occupational driver's license upon receipt of notice that the holder thereof has been convicted of operating a motor vehicle in violation of its restrictions, or of an offense that pursuant to chapter 46.20 RCW would warrant suspension or revocation of a regular driver's license.  The cancellation is effective as of the date of the conviction, and continues with the same force and effect as any suspension or revocation under this title.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 10.  If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1998, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.

 

    *NEW SECTION.  Sec. 11. If this act mandates an increased level of service by local governments, the local government may, under RCW 43.135.060 and chapter 4.92 RCW, submit claims for reimbursement by the legislature.  The claims shall be subject to verification by the office of financial management.

*Sec. 11 was vetoed.  See message at end of chapter.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 12.  This act takes effect January 1, 1999.


    Passed the House March 9, 1998.

    Passed the Senate March 5, 1998.

Approved by the Governor March 30, 1998, with the exception of certain items that were vetoed.

    Filed in Office of Secretary of State March 30, 1998.


 

    Note:  Governor's explanation of partial veto is as follows:

 

    "I am returning herewith, without my approval as to sections 6 and 11, Second Substitute House Bill No. 3070 entitled:

 

"AN ACT Relating to penalties for driving under the influence;"

 

    2SHB 3070 will make certain that a driver's DUI history will be kept on file for a longer period of time for consideration by the courts in the event of subsequent offenses.  I strongly agree with the purpose of this legislation; however, two sections are problematic.

 

    Section 6 of 2SHB 3070 would require drunk drivers to appear in court promptly after arrest or the filing of a charge, and would be a desirable improvement in the way these cases are handled.  However, because of a flaw in drafting, the court appearance would be required the day after arrest, even for defendants who had not yet been formally charged by citation, complaint, or information.  This would be unworkable, and the District and Municipal Court Judges Association, which initially proposed section 6, has asked me to veto it.  Fortunately, E2SSB 6293 includes a similar provision which is better drafted, and I have signed that bill today. 

 

    Section 11 of 2SHB 3070 would require that the Office of Financial Management verify claims from local governments for increased levels of services mandated by the act.  This section would add an unnecessary additional bureaucratic layer to the existing statutory and procedural process for handling these claims.  I will direct the Office of Financial Management and the Department of General Administration to work collaboratively with the appropriate legislative committees to ensure that timely and accurate information is provided to the Legislature.

 

    For these reasons, I have vetoed sections 6 and 11 of Second Substitute House Bill No. 3070.

 

    With the exception of sections 6 and 11, Second Substitute House Bill No. 3070 is approved."