The bill amends RCW 46.61.5055 to impose stricter penalties for impaired driving offenses, particularly focusing on offenders' blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and their history of prior offenses within a seven-year period. Notable changes include lowering the BAC threshold for certain penalties from 0.15 to 0.10, which results in increased minimum imprisonment and electronic home monitoring durations. For instance, individuals 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 a minimum of 120 days of imprisonment and 150 days of electronic home monitoring. The bill also introduces new fines that escalate based on the severity of the offense and reduces the time frame for considering prior offenses from 15 years to 10 years for repeat offenders.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific monitoring requirements for DUI offenders, including the mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices and the potential use of alcohol monitoring technologies. Courts are granted discretion to impose additional penalties, particularly when minors are present in the vehicle during the offense. The legislation also establishes a framework for probationary conditions, emphasizing compliance with driving regulations and alcohol monitoring, while allowing for the possibility of waiving electronic home monitoring under certain circumstances. 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