Bill > HB1426

This bill creates a new type of civil protection order specifically designed to prevent impaired driving. The bill establishes an impaired driving protection order that can be obtained when a person poses a significant danger of causing personal injury by driving or having physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Key provisions include allowing various parties (including intimate partners, family members, law enforcement, and prosecutors) to petition for the order, and empowering courts to impose restrictions such as requiring an ignition interlock device, alcohol monitoring, mandatory sobriety program participation, and staying away from bars. The order can be issued for at least one year and can be renewed if the court finds the respondent continues to pose a significant danger. Violations of the order can result in criminal penalties, including potential gross misdemeanor or felony charges for repeated violations. The bill also requires the criminal justice training commission to develop specialized training for law enforcement on impaired driving protection orders by July 1, 2026, and mandates that current and new peace officers complete this training. The goal is to provide a civil mechanism to prevent alcohol-related driving incidents and protect public safety.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1426&Year=2025&Initiative=false