Bill > HB2203

This bill creates a new offense called "reckless interference with emergency operations" which applies to anyone who knowingly drives a vehicle onto a public road that has been officially closed due to hazardous conditions, indicated by barricades, signs, or emergency vehicles. Violating this law is generally a misdemeanor, but it becomes a gross misdemeanor if the interference results in a first responder being injured while providing emergency assistance or if a minor or vulnerable adult is in the vehicle during the violation. Conviction leads to driver's license suspension, with longer suspensions for the more serious offenses, and offenders are also liable for the costs of any emergency response required due to their actions, up to a maximum of $25,000 per incident, with provisions for how multiple agencies would share reimbursement. The bill also defines "first responder," "vehicle," and "vulnerable adult" for the purposes of this new law.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2203&Year=2025&Initiative=false