The proposed bill establishes the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations, adding a new section to chapter 46.61 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Under this legislation, a person is guilty of this offense if they operate a vehicle on a public roadway that has been closed due to hazardous conditions, as indicated by official barricades, signage, or emergency vehicles. The bill outlines penalties for such actions, categorizing the offense as a gross misdemeanor, with escalated penalties to a class C felony if the violation results in the need for emergency assistance that causes bodily injury to a first responder or occurs with a minor or vulnerable adult present in the vehicle.
Additionally, the bill mandates the suspension of the driver's license for individuals convicted of this offense, with durations of sixty days for a gross misdemeanor and ninety days for a class C felony. It also holds offenders financially responsible for the costs incurred by public agencies in responding to the emergency, with a maximum liability of $25,000 per incident. The court is empowered to order reimbursement for these costs, which must be paid directly to the responding agency. The bill further clarifies definitions related to first responders, vehicles, and vulnerable adults, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the new offense within existing legal frameworks.