In a continued effort to get tough with drunk drivers in Washington State lawmakers are once again hoping to lower the legal blood alcohol limit.

THE YAKIMA PROSECUTOR HAS BEEN IN FAVOR OF A CHANGE FOR YEARS

Yakima County Prosecutor Joe Brusic says he's in support of an effort to lower the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit and he's supported the effort for years. According to a report from Washington State Democrats an effort is underway in the state again this year after a bill failed in 2023.

LAWMAKERS HAVE INTRODUCED A NEW BILL

Senate Bill SB 5067 was introduced on the first day of the 2025 legislative session. Lawmakers are aiming to reduce the current blood alcohol level limit of 0.08% to 0.05%.
Brusic, a member of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys says he's in support of the proposal. "How many years have we been saying don't drink and drive?" Brusic says the proposal sends a strong message to those who drink and drive.

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BRUSIC KNOWS IT WILL IMPACT LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS BUT WILL ALSO SAVE LIVES

Brusic says lowering the blood alchol level for intoxication is a positive move because it will reduce serious injury and fatal alcohol related crashes. He realizes the impact the change could have on retail establishments like restaurants and bars but he says at some point the state has to take action to change behavior and save lives.

THE PROBLEM OF BACKLOGGED DUI CASES CONTINUES TO SLOW CASES

Brusic and other prosecutors however say they face the same problem they've faced for years, a backlog of DUI cases waiting testing in the state crime lab that delays cases from moving forward. He says that's what is really the problem when it comes to prosecuting DUI cases. He says lawmakers need to add capacity to the lab so cases can be turned around faster than the current 6 to 12 month or more wait for results attorneys can use in DUI arrests. Sadly very little has been done to help solve the problem. In fact state crime lab officials say they're currently testing cases from 2023 DUI cases.

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