FINAL BILL REPORT

2SHB 2216

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

House Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

An adult who is convicted of a felony crime is sentenced under the provisions of the Sentencing Reform Act (SRA). The SRA contains a sentencing grid that provides a standard sentence range based on the seriousness level of the current offense and the offender's prior criminal history score, which is calculated based on rules relating to the number and type of past convictions and the current conviction. The sentencing judge will sentence the offender to a period of confinement within that standard range. Under certain circumstances a sentencing judge may impose an exceptional sentence that falls outside the standard range.

A person commits the crime of Vehicular Homicide if the person's driving of a vehicle proximately causes the death of another person and if the person was driving the vehicle: (1) while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; (2) in a reckless manner; or (3) with disregard for the safety of others. Vehicular Homicide is a class A felony.

Vehicular Homicide while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is ranked at a seriousness level of IX under the SRA. A person convicted of the crime who has no prior offenses that count towards the offender score would receive a standard sentence range of 31-41 months in prison.

Summary:

The seriousness level ranking for the crime of Vehicular Homicide while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is increased from a level IX to a level XI offense, resulting in a standard sentence range of 78-102 months for a person with no prior offenses.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	98	0
Senate	46	0