SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2334

BYRepresentatives Ferguson, Appelwick, Haugen, Jones, Phillips, May, R. Meyers, Hargrove, Heavey, Holland, Winsley, D. Sommers, Wolfe, Fuhrman, Tate, Youngsman, Rasmussen and Raiter

Changing the blood and breath alcohol content standards for intoxication.

House Committe on Judiciary

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1990

Senate Staff:Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

AS OF FEBRUARY 14, 1990

BACKGROUND:

One way to commit the crime of drunk driving (DWI) is to operate or control a motor vehicle while having more than a certain amount of alcohol in one's blood or breath.  The "per se" standard that defines this form of DWI is:  (1) 0.10 grams or more of alcohol per 210 liters of breath; or (2) 0.10 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the blood.  These two standards are considered equivalent measures of the amount of alcohol a person has consumed.

SUMMARY:

The per se standard for DWI is lowered for drivers under the age of 21.  The new standard is:  (1) 0.04 grams or more of alcohol per 210 liters of breath; or (2) 0.04 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the blood.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested