State Senate passes, sends House bill to toughen DUI laws
OLYMPIA -- The state Senate unanimously approved and sent the House legislation Wednesday aimed at trying to keep first-time DUI offenders from driving drunk again.
Under the measure, Senate Bill 5912, would require an automatic arrest for a second DUI offense, and those booked on suspicion of a second DUI would need to have ignition-interlock devices installed on their vehicles before their cases even go to trial.
In addition, the legislation features the introduction of a 24/7 sobriety pilot program in three counties and two cities, which will be used in place of or in addition to electronic home monitoring.
"This (bill) should help repeat DUI offenders to stay sober, or at least avoid getting behind the wheel again when they're under the influence," said state Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, the sponsor of the measure.
"This bill is less about punishment than it is about preventing DUI offenders from harming others – and adding another conviction to their records," Padden said. "I hope the House moves this bill through and on to the governor’s desk."