SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5233

BYSenators Halsan, Talmadge, Lee and Moore

Permitting courts to require ignition interlocks on alcohol offenders' cars.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1987; February 6, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5233 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Halsan, Vice Chairman; Bottiger, McCaslin, Nelson.

Senate Staff:Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

                  February 9, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY FEBRUARY 6, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Several companies are now manufacturing devices commonly known as "ignition interlock devices" which can prevent a person who has consumed alcohol from operating a motor vehicle.

Many persons convicted of an offense involving the use of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle are high risk individuals who tend to continue to drink and drive.

Ignition interlock devices can be utilized to prevent high risk individuals from operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol.

SUMMARY:

A court may require a person who has been convicted of an offense involving the use of alcohol to only operate a motor vehicle equipped with an approved ignition interlock device.

The Traffic Safety Commission is required to establish standards for the certification, installation, repair and removal of interlock devices.

The Department of Licensing is to attach or imprint a notation on the drivers license of a person placed under such a restriction by a court.

It is a gross misdemeanor for a person to assist another person who is required to use an ignition interlock device in a motor vehicle to start and operate that motor vehicle.  The criminal penalty does not apply if the motor vehicle is started for safety or mechanical repair.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The proposed substitute bill is the same as the original bill, except for the following changes:

The Commission on Equipment, rather than the Traffic Safety Commission, will administer the program.

If a court determines that an offender should have an ignition interlock device installed in the vehicle, the device is required to be installed for a minimum of six months.

Several technical amendments are also made to the bill.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Rick Jensen, Washington State Patrol; Larry Erickson, Sheriff, Spokane County; Nancy Nogg, Guardian Interlock System; Joel Franklin, Safety Interlock