The bill seeks to improve road safety in Washington State by lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving from 0.08 to 0.05, reflecting a growing concern over impaired driving and its correlation with increased traffic fatalities. It amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), including RCW 46.61.502 and RCW 46.61.504, to implement this new BAC limit and introduces stricter penalties for violations, classifying them as gross misdemeanors with enhanced consequences for repeat offenders. The legislation also establishes specific penalties based on varying levels of alcohol concentration, including mandatory minimum imprisonment and electronic home monitoring, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to reducing impaired driving incidents.

In addition to the BAC limit change, the bill outlines new provisions for DUI offenders, including the requirement for expanded substance use disorder assessments and treatment, as well as the introduction of minimum fines and modified monitoring requirements. It specifies that offenders are responsible for the costs of electronic monitoring and includes stricter penalties for repeat offenders, particularly those with minor passengers in their vehicle. The bill also mandates a public information campaign to educate the public about the new regulations and safe driving practices, while requiring an evaluation of the act's impacts within two years of implementation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.61.502, 46.61.504, 46.61.5055, 46.61.506, 46.20.308, 46.20.3101