FINAL BILL REPORT

2SSB 5882

PARTIAL VETO

                              C 291 L 90

BYSenate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senator Nelson)

Establishing definitions and revising penalties for reckless, negligent, and inattentive driving.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

House Committe on Judiciary

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

A person is guilty of reckless driving if he or she operates a vehicle in "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property."  Negligent driving is less than, but included in, the offense of reckless driving and requires "operation of a vehicle in such a manner as to endanger or is likely to endanger persons or property."  There is no offense under current law to cover "inattentive" driving.

A charge of reckless driving is a misdemeanor and carries a penalty of up to 90 days in the county jail, a fine not to exceed $1,000 and a 30 day license suspension.

Negligent driving convictions are misdemeanors with a fine not to exceed $250.  No jail or license suspension is provided.

SUMMARY:

The penalty for reckless driving is raised to a gross misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year and a fine of not more than $5,000.

The penalty for negligent driving remains a misdemeanor; however, the penalty is increased to include imprisonment of up to 90 days and a fine not to exceed $1,000.

Negligent driving and vehicular assault are delineated as crimes which may occur on private property.

To operate a vehicle in an inattentive manner is a traffic infraction.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   42    6

     House 96  0

EFFECTIVE:June 7, 1990

Partial Veto Summary:  The negligent driving provisions that would have increased the fine from $250 to $1,000 and would have provided for imprisonment for up to 90 days are eliminated.  The new traffic infraction of inattentive driving is also vetoed.  (See VETO MESSAGE)