Bill Being Debated in WA Would Create Civil Protection Order for Habitual Drunk Drivers

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OLYMPIA, WA – Family members and others who are concerned about a habitual drunk driver would be able to seek a civil protection order under a bill being debated in the Washington State Legislature. Sponsored by Representative Lauren Davis (D-Des Moines), House Bill 1426 would create the Impaired Driving Protection Order, which would allow petitions to be filed in court by people close to the respondent, including prosecutors and law enforcement officers.

The protection order would require subjects to install ignition interlocks, take part in sobriety programs and mandatory evaluations, and undergo alcohol monitoring.

Supporters call it a proactive approach that would save lives and prevent harm before it happens.

During a hearing in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee today, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders spoke in favor of the measure, calling it “one of the most innovative” bills he has seen to address impaired driving.

Sanders says if passed and signed into law, this measure would give law enforcement officers the probable cause to run the plates of vehicles being driven by potentially impaired drivers.

Sanders says his only criticism about the bill is that it does not include “drugged driving.”

Meanwhile, Selena Copa, an Army veteran of the Iraq War, spoke against the measure, testifying that it would create a significant civil rights issue.

To issue a protection order, the court must determine whether an individual poses a serious risk of driving while impaired. Once granted, the order could last for a year and be renewed.