The bill amends RCW 46.61.5055 to implement stricter penalties for impaired driving offenses, particularly focusing on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels and the offender's history of prior offenses. Notably, the BAC threshold for certain penalties is lowered from 0.15 to 0.10, resulting in minimum imprisonment and electronic home monitoring requirements that vary based on BAC levels. For instance, offenders with a BAC of at least 0.10 will face a minimum of 48 hours of imprisonment and 30 days of electronic home monitoring, while those with a BAC of at least 0.12 will face more severe penalties. The bill also reduces the time frame for considering prior offenses from 15 years to 10 years, which will affect repeat offenders, and introduces new fines that increase with the severity of the offense.

Additionally, the bill outlines enhanced monitoring requirements, including mandatory ignition interlock devices for all vehicles operated by convicted individuals, and allows for additional alcohol monitoring technologies as needed. It emphasizes the importance of substance use disorder assessments and treatment, ensuring offenders receive necessary evaluations and support. The bill also introduces provisions regarding deferred sentences, specifying that certain subsequent convictions will not count as prior offenses for sentencing. Furthermore, it mandates an evaluation by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to assess the act's impacts on public safety and the hospitality industry, with a report due by March 1, 2029. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.61.5055