SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6270

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                  Judiciary, February 4, 2000

Title:  An act relating to penalties for alcohol violators.

Brief Description:  Including conviction for driving under age of twenty‑one after consuming alcohol as a prior offense in determining penalties for alcohol violators.

Sponsors:  Senators Eide and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  1/28/2000, 2/4/2000 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Heavey, Chair; Kline, Vice Chair; Costa, Goings, Haugen, Roach and Thibaudeau.

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background:  The punishment that is imposed on a person convicted of driving or being in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug is dependent on several factors.  One of the factors is whether the person has had any prior offenses.  Prior offenses are defined in statute and currently the list does not include the offense of driving after consuming alcohol and being under 21 years of age, RCW 46.61.503.

Summary of Bill:  The definition of Aprior offenses@ in RCW 46.61.5055 includes the offense of driving after consuming alcohol and being under 21 years of age, RCW 46.61.503.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 26, 2000.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The list of offenses that are considered when sentencing a driver convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol does not include a person who is under 21 years of age and drives after consuming alcohol.  This is a loophole that needs to be closed for consistency and in keeping with our strict approach to drunk driving.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Eide, prime sponsor (pro).