OLYMPIA, Wash. – A new bill introduced in the Washington State Legislature aims to impose stricter penalties for individuals who attempt to elude police cars or resist arrest.
Under SB 5333, any car used in the crime of eluding police is subject to impoundment.
If the operator has previously had a car impounded for the same offense and is convicted again, the car may be forfeited.
The bill expands on last year’s adoption of an initiative that restored the authority of a police officer to engage in a pursuit when there is reasonable suspicion a person has committed a crime.
During the new bill’s public hearing, February 17, Pasco Senator Nikki Torres, one of the sponsors of the bill, asked James McMahon of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs whether car theft has declined since last year’s initiative went into effect.
“We’ve seen for the first time in several years a reduction in auto theft. I do want to be clear that this bill is about vehicle pursuits, but closely related to auto theft.” McMahan testified before the Senate Law and Justice Committee.
David Triewieler with the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers opposes the bill.
”The fundamental driver of this bill, and others like it, is that if we just increase the punishment, the crime rate will decrease. We have known this to be generally false for at least a decade.” Triewieler said during the public hearing.
The bill is currently under review by the Committee on Law & Justice and scheduled for executive session on February 20.
