Bill > HB1101

This bill addresses a legal inconsistency in how vehicular homicide offenses are classified under Washington state law. Specifically, the bill aims to designate vehicular homicide committed with disregard for the safety of others as a violent offense, which would make it ineligible for a first-time offender waiver. Currently, Washington state courts have held that vehicular homicide committed with disregard for the safety of others is not considered a violent offense, creating a legal loophole that can result in more lenient sentencing. The bill makes technical amendments to two sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 9.94A.030) to ensure that all forms of vehicular homicide, regardless of the specific circumstances, are classified as violent offenses. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and the previous version of the law will expire on the same date. The legislature's intent is to ensure consistent treatment of vehicular homicide cases and to prevent situations where some vehicular homicide convictions might receive less severe sentencing despite resulting in the loss of human life.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1101&Year=2025&Initiative=false