Legislature Passes Increase of Drunk Driving Penalties

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Legislature in Washington has passed a bill that would raise penalties for felony-level driving under the influence convictions.

House Bill 2280 passed the Senate on a unanimous vote Wednesday after clearing the House in February. It now heads to the desk of Gov. Jay Inslee.

Under existing law, a fifth DUI conviction within 10 years is a Class C felony, which carries a maximum of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both. The bill would make felony DUIs a Class B felony, which has a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine or both.

A person's first four DUIs are gross misdemeanors, and a DUI is also a felony for someone who previously committed vehicular homicide or vehicular assault while intoxicated.