Harsher DUI Penalties Pass Washington House

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A bill that would require harsher penalties for people convicted of felony-level offenses for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has unanimously passed the House.

House Bill 2280, approved Monday, would make a fourth DUI conviction within 10 years a Class B felony, rather than a Class C felony. The bill will now be considered by the Senate.

A Class C felony has a maximum of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both. A Class B felony is 10 has a maximum of 10 years in prison, $20,000 fine or both. A DUI is a gross misdemeanor in existing law. A DUI for someone convicted of vehicular homicide or assault while intoxicated would also be a Class B felony under the bill.