Tougher DUI bill passes the Senate
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – A bill that would get tougher for frequent driving under the influence offenders has passed the Washington Senate 41 to 7. Sen. Mike Padden’s (R-Spokane Valley) measure would require arresting agencies to extend the 10-year look backward for similar arrests to 15 years.
Current Washington law requires a fourth driving under the influence of intoxicants conviction to be considered a felony, but judges are only allowed to study the person’s record for the past decade.
“We know repeat offenders pose the greatest danger on our roads and highways,” Padden said. “Right now during the pandemic traffic is down 10 percent ore more, but impaired driving is up substantially. The need for this legislation is stronger than ever.”
Padden has proposed the measure in past sessions, and it has been consistently passed by the Senate, the House of Representatives has thrown up roadblocks. Padden has called on the House to fast-track the passage of Senate Bill 5054.
“We can’t afford to allow this bill to linger in the other chamber and then get lost in the final, hectic closing days of the session,” Padden said.
