HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB
2675
As Passed House
February 14, 1992
Title: An act relating to penalties for driving or being in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
Brief Description: Authorizing court‑ordered attendance at a DUII victims' panel.
Sponsor(s): By House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Jones, Mitchell, Wineberry, Wood, Prentice, Brough, Brekke, R. Fisher, Nelson, Winsley, Lisk, Horn, Jacobsen, Franklin and G. Cole).
Brief History:
Reported by House Committee on:
Judiciary, February 6, 1992, DPS;
Passed House, February 14, 1992, 93-0.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON
JUDICIARY
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives Appelwick, Chair; Ludwig, Vice Chair; Padden, Ranking Minority Member; Paris, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Belcher; Broback; Forner; Hargrove; Inslee; R. Meyers; Mielke; H. Myers; Riley; Scott; D. Sommers; Tate; and Vance.
Staff: Bill Perry (786-7123).
Background: Persons convicted of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (DWI) are subject to monetary penalties, driver's license suspension, and mandatory jail time. A first conviction results in a mandatory one day in jail, a minimum fine of $250, and a license suspension of 90 days. A second conviction within five years results in a mandatory seven days in jail, a minimum fine of $500, and a license revocation for one year. Upon a third or subsequent conviction within five years the fine and imprisonment penalties remain the same as for a second conviction, but the driver's license is revoked for two years.
In addition, a driver who is convicted of DWI must attend an alcohol information course, must undergo a diagnostic evaluation for alcoholism, and may be required to enter a treatment program.
A person charged with DWI may petition for a deferred prosecution on the grounds that alcoholism or drug addiction caused the criminal violation. If the request is granted, the person must successfully complete a court ordered and monitored treatment program.
Summary of Bill: A person convicted of DWI or granted a deferred prosecution on a DWI charge may be ordered to attend a DWI victims' panel. Entities may enter into contracts with a court to provide victims' panels.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: These victims' panels have been shown to be very effective in reducing recidivism. They are also helpful to victims.
Testimony Against: None.
Witnesses: Cheryl Fox; Jim Bonte, Clallam County DWI Task Force; Mike Hastings; and Sue White (all in favor).