FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1128

                         C 239 L 93

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Funding blood and breath alcohol testing programs.

By House Committee on Revenue (originally sponsored by Representatives G. Fisher, Holm, Silver, Vance, Edmondson, Heavey, Foreman, Ballard, Brough, Long, Miller and Brumsickle; by request of Washington State Patrol).

House Committee on Revenue

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Background:  Persons convicted of driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated are subject to a term of imprisonment and a fine ranging from $250 to $1,000.  Repeat offenders are subject to larger fines and longer imprisonment.  Fines may be suspended for indigent persons.

The State Toxicology Laboratory performs blood tests if a traffic accident involves a fatality.

Summary:  Starting July 1, 1993, and ending June 30, 1995, an additional $125 fine is assessed against each person convicted of driving while intoxicated.  The fine may be reduced if the person does not have the ability to pay.

Of the revenue from the fee, 40 percent is divided between cities, counties, and the state in the same manner as fees, fines, and forfeitures collected by district courts.  If the case involves a blood test by the State Toxicology Laboratory, the remaining 60 percent is earmarked for funding the laboratory's Blood Testing Program.  Otherwise, the remaining 60 percent is earmarked for the Washington State Patrol Breath Testing Program.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  97 0

Senate 41 1 (Senate amended)

House  96 0 (House concurred)

Effective:  July 1, 1993