Bill > SB5782

This bill modifies Washington state's laws regarding impaired driving by reducing the number of prior offenses that can trigger more severe penalties from three to two within a 15-year period. The bill amends existing statutes related to driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, including cannabis. Key changes include lowering the threshold for classifying a DUI as a felony from three prior offenses to two prior offenses within 15 years. The bill maintains existing provisions about blood alcohol and THC concentration limits (0.08 for alcohol and 5.00 nanograms for THC), and continues to provide detailed sentencing guidelines that vary based on the driver's blood alcohol level and number of prior offenses. The legislation also preserves existing provisions about potential defenses, such as consuming alcohol or cannabis after driving but before testing. Additional penalties remain in place for situations involving minor passengers or higher blood alcohol concentrations. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving law enforcement and the judicial system time to prepare for the changes. The primary aim appears to be strengthening penalties for repeat impaired driving offenders by reducing the timeframe and number of prior offenses that trigger more serious legal consequences.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5782&Year=2025&Initiative=false