SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6609

BYSenators Newhouse and McMullen

Revising penalties for vehicular crimes.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 5, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Hayner, Madsen, Newhouse, Niemi, Talmadge.

Senate Staff:Cliff Petersen (786-7457)

                  February 5, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, FEBRUARY 5, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Licensing is required to revoke the license of a driver convicted of vehicular homicide for a period of two years and one year for a person convicted of vehicular assault.  It has been suggested that judges should have the authority to order drivers' license revocation for longer periods of time in sentencing those convicted of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.

The operation of a motor vehicle in a negligent manner is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $250.  Such an offense is not punishable by imprisonment nor may the department's director revoke any license for the conviction of such offense.

SUMMARY:

In sentencing a person convicted of vehicular homicide, the court is to establish a period of drivers' license revocation of not less than two nor more than ten years.  In cases of a vehicular assault, the court is to set a period of drivers' license revocation of not less than one year nor more than five years.

The Department of Licensing is authorized to implement the revocation for the period established by the court, or if not established, for the statutory periods pertaining to vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.

Any person convicted of negligent driving is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment or by a fine not to exceed $250.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 1, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: no one