SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 663

BYRepresentatives Dellwo and Armstrong

Making breath alcohol testing laws consistent.

House Committe on Judiciary

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 23, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

                March 23, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, MARCH 23, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1986 the Legislature changed the definition of driving while intoxicated so that the amount of alcohol in a person's breath rather than in his or her blood determines whether or not he or she has committed the crime.  Many DWI-related statutes were also amended to reflect this definitional change.  One DWI-related statute was not so amended.  This statute allows a court to hear evidence that a driver refused to take an alcohol test when arrested for DWI.  The statute still refers to the alcohol content of the driver's "blood".

SUMMARY:

The statute that allows evidence of refusal to take an alcohol test to be admitted at trial is amended to conform to the 1986 changes in the definition of DWI.

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Mike Redman, WAPA