Latest news with #HouseBill1596
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Washington to rein in fast drivers with speed limiters
A speed limiter device like the ones that will be required for repeat speeding offenders under a Washington law signed on May 12, 2025. The law doesn't take effect until 2029. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard) In a few years, with the help of technology, prolific speeders in Washington won't be able to drive as fast as they want. Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday signed House Bill 1596 into law, requiring a new speed-limiting device as a condition to getting a restricted driver's license after getting it suspended for reckless driving or excessive speeding. Judges can also require the speed limiters as a condition of pre-trial release or post-conviction probation. The tech, shown at a demonstration at the Capitol on Monday, is similar to ignition interlock devices that require people with histories of drunk driving to blow into a breathalyzer to show their blood alcohol concentration before they can start the car. These new devices use GPS to restrict speed to the posted limit. Under the legislation, drivers could override the limiter three times per month. The bill received bipartisan support in the Legislature as the state aims to turn the tide on traffic deaths after reaching a 33-year high in 2023. Of the 809 deaths that year, a third involved speeding drivers. 'What's behind this bill is a really simple goal, which is to save lives,' Ferguson said. The new law is known as the BEAM Act, named after four people killed in a crash last year with a speeding driver near Renton: Boyd Buster Brown, Eloise Wilcoxson, Andrea Smith Hudson and Matilda Wilcoxson. Last month, a judge sentenced the driver in the case to 17½ years in prison after he pleaded guilty to four counts of vehicular homicide in the high-speed crash. The driver was held up as an example of someone who would've needed to install a speed limiter. In the prior 10 months, he had reportedly been involved in two crashes in which his speeding was a factor. Before signing the BEAM Act, the governor met with families of those killed in that crash and others who are pushing for stronger traffic safety measures. 'It's the family members who got us to this day,' said prime sponsor Rep. Mari Leavitt, D-University Place. 'They're the ones who were willing to share their story over and over again.' In Europe, new vehicles are required to have intelligent speed assistance technology installed. But in the United States, the speed limiter idea is new. Last month, Virginia became the first state to enact such legislation, requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for drivers convicted of going over 100 mph. Georgia quickly followed, with a bill awaiting the governor's signature. Last year, Washington, D.C. approved a 'speed governor' requirement for repeat offenders. Lawmakers in several other states have also considered the requirement. In California last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a measure requiring passive speed limiters. Washington's legislation defines excessive speeding as 20 mph above speed limits over 40 mph, or 10 mph above speed limits under that threshold. If a driver has a history of moving violations, including excessive speeding, they would have to use an intelligent speed assistance device for 120 days after getting their license back from a suspension. In reckless driving cases, that rises to 150 days. Driving without one during this probationary period would be a traffic infraction that could add 30 days to a license suspension. Tampering with the device is a gross misdemeanor. Drivers would have to pay to install and remove the speed limiter, and an additional $21 per month. That monthly fee would go to the state Department of Licensing to offset the costs for low-income people who need the devices but can't afford them. The legislation doesn't go into effect until Jan. 1, 2029.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
WA bill would require ‘egregious speeders' to install speed-limiting device in vehicles
A Washington state bill expected to be signed into law next week would require certain drivers convicted of excessive speeding to install a device in their vehicles that allows the state to monitor and control their speed. House Bill 1596, which has passed both the House and Senate, is scheduled to be signed into law Monday. The legislation targets 'egregious speeders,' such as repeat offenders and reckless drivers. State Rep. Mari Leavitt, the bill's primary sponsor, said the legislation was created after a deadly crash in Renton in 2024 involving a 17-year-old driver who sped through an intersection, colliding with another vehicle and killing a mother and three children. Two other children were injured. 'These are targeted to the most egregious speeders—think repeat offenders,' Leavitt said. 'It's a proven technology that's been used in a lot of different areas, including Europe, and the data shows it slows people down—literally and figuratively—because you simply can't go faster than it allows.' The legislation would require individuals to install an Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) device if they have been convicted of reckless driving or have at least three moving violations, including one for speeding. The device limits the vehicle's speed and reports data to authorities. The Washington State Department of Licensing would oversee the program, which aims to reduce serious crashes by giving law enforcement and the courts a new tool to prevent dangerous driving behavior. 'It seems like a good idea,' said Sid Santiano, a local worker. 'The faster you go, the harder it is to avoid people. It's better to keep people capped if they're trying to speed somewhere.' Not everyone agrees. Ethan Cramer, who said he also opposes speeding, believes the bill doesn't address the root cause. 'The government should have no control over our personal property,' Cramer said. 'It doesn't stop someone from stealing another car and speeding again. Punishing offenders appropriately the first time would be a smarter approach.' Drivers required to use the ISA who are caught operating a vehicle without the device could face up to $5,000 in fines and potential jail time, Leavitt said. 'There will be consequences—pretty severe consequences—if they choose to drive without a speed limiter,' she said. 'And it applies to any vehicle they drive, not just their own.' If the bill is signed into law, it's expected to take effect no later than January 1, 2029.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
WA bill heads to Gov. Ferguson's desk to crack down on reckless speeding
The Brief The BEAM Act mandates anti-speeding technology for drivers with multiple violations to curb reckless speeding in Washington state. Passed with bipartisan support, the bill honors victims of a fatal crash and awaits Governor Ferguson's signature, potentially taking effect by January 2029. Longtime felony traffic prosecutor Amy Freedheim supports the bill for its potential to save lives amid rising fatal crashes involving speeding. SEATTLE - A deadly tragedy in King County in 2024 could soon spark changes to laws in Washington state, designed to crack down on reckless speeding, increase safety on the roads and save lives. House Bill 1596, known as the BEAM Act, passed legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill is now on its way to Governor Bob Ferguson's desk for his possible signature. "We are in an epidemic of excessive speeding. And by excessive speeding, I mean these horrific, horrific, selfish, selfish speeds," said Amy Freedheim, chair of the felony traffic unit with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Dig deeper According to Families for Safe Streets, House Bill 1596 would require drivers who have been convicted of reckless driving or have accumulated three or more moving violations to install anti-speeding technology, known as intelligent speed assistance (ISA), in lieu of license suspension. ISA uses GPS technology and other sensors to prevent the vehicle from exceeding posted speed limits. The technology is similar to ignition interlock devices for alcohol impairment. "In the active mode, it prohibits your car from going more than 10 miles over whatever the speed limit is," said Freedheim. The bill passed the State Senate in a 40–8 vote. Freedheim passionately supported the bill during testimonies in the 2025 legislative session. "This bill will save lives," she told lawmakers during the Senate's Transportation Committee meeting. The BEAM Act honors the lives of four people killed in a terrible crash in Fairwood on March 19, 2024. It claimed the lives of 38-year-old Andrea Hudson, 12-year-old Boyd "Buster" Brown, 12-year-old Matilda Wilcoxson and 13-year-old Eloise Wilcoxson. Hudson was picking up the group of kids from a school event when the suspect, 19-year-old Chase Jones, was traveling at 112 miles per hour. Investigators said Jones ran a red light and hit Hudson's minivan, instantly killing the four victims and causing life-altering injuries to two of Hudson's own children. "The fact that the week that we are sentencing Chase Jones for going 112 miles per hour, I am looking at filing additional charges for people who are still excessively speeding," said Freedheim. "This morning, I just rush-filed a double fatality case where a defendant was going 120 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour road in a tremendous crash that killed his 17-year-old brother and his uncle. There is another case on our first appearance calendar today […] it is an alcohol-impaired driver who was going 70 in a 25. When she went through a red light and killed somebody and injured somebody." What they're saying No one is more pleased to see the BEAM Act advance to the governor's desk than Freedheim. For more than 25 years, she has prosecuted felony traffic cases for King County. For every victim killed, she displays their pictures on the wall in her office. "I have all different groups, all marginalized groups, majority groups, all genders. I have all ages," said Freedheim. "It's been a long time that I've been doing this, and I'm still passionate about it. And heartbreakingly, I still have people to put up on the wall. It's still happening." Speeding has been growing even more deadly in King County and across the state. Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission shows fatal crashes involving speeding drivers increased by nearly 40% between 2019 and 2023, with excessive speed contributing to 251 deaths in 2023 alone. "It is a preventable crime. It is heartbreaking that it is still occurring. There's no reason for it," said Freedheim. "It affects everybody in our community. Everybody in our community is vulnerable to them." The Governor's Office said once House Bill 1596 officially arrives at Ferguson's desk, he will have 20 days to sign it. Should it become law, it will take effect no later than January 1, 2029. State Representative Mari Leavitt is one of the bill's sponsors. Her office explained, "The timeline is based on the agency needing time to operationalize the license, but the court will be able to impose it as sanctions right away. Further, Rep. Leavitt has been assured by the Governor's Office that they will be pushing to have the work done as quickly as possible to ensure we are saving lives." "In this office, we already recommend speed limiter devices pretrial, and we recommend them at sentencing on our excessive speeding cases," said Freedheim. Why you should care It is Freedheim's hope that the potential law does save lives. It would give more purpose to the years of work she has done seeking justice for the lives lost. "I want to remember these smiling faces. I want to remember my victims," said Freedheim. "It gives me a positive feeling to feel like they're all looking down on me saying keep going, don't add to the wall. Do what you're doing so that we don't have company." The Source Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Franque Thompson. Boeing 737 reportedly rejected overseas, FOX 13 finds matching jet in Seattle China retaliates against Trump's tariffs Docs: Man accused of killing WA grandmother 'meticulously planned' murder Gov. Bob Ferguson signs bill restricting armed forces from entering WA Fast Ferry cuts loom as Washington faces budget crisis Boy shot, killed in Tacoma, WA on Easter Sunday night Seattle high school student shot, killed in Yakima on Easter Sunday To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Washington Senate passes bill to require speed limiting devices for habitual speeders
A damaged vehicle is seen in the aftermath of a June 2024 crash in Thurston County, in which the driver of another vehicle was suspected of speeding and driving under the influence. (Photo courtesy of Thurston County Sheriff Office) The state Senate passed a bill Tuesday attempting to stop habitual speeders in their tracks. Passed on a 40-8 vote, House Bill 1596 would require certain drivers to install an 'intelligent speed assistance' device that limits their car to the posted speed limit of the area they are in. Drivers with the device would be allowed to exceed the speed limit up to three times a month. Similar to how ignition interlock devices are mandated for people with a history of drunk driving, a person would have a speed limiter if they get a restricted license that requires one, during a probation period after getting their license suspended for reckless driving or excessive speeding, or if they have been ordered to have a device by a court. 'Installing intelligent speed assistance devices in vehicles will guarantee that drivers physically cannot exceed the speed limit,' said Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, during the floor debate. 'It is also a reminder to the drivers of their dangerous driving behavior, and hopefully will serve as a tool for lasting behavior change,' he added. 'We're losing family members, we're losing lost souls to those who are intentionally choosing to drive fast. And this will provide an opportunity to save our neighbors and increase our public safety,' said prime sponsor Rep. Mari Leavitt, D-University Place, after the bill passed. Leavitt pointed to state data showing fatal car crashes have been on an upward trend since 2019, with a growing number of them involving speeding. She was particularly moved by a crash in King County last March that killed 38-year-old Andrea Smith and three children. A man was accused of causing the crash by driving well over 100 miles an hour in a 40 mph zone. He pleaded guilty earlier this month. The bill was titled 'The BEAM Act' in honor of those who died in the crash. 'BEAM is an acronym for the first letter of the first name of the four who died last March in Renton, so Boyd, Eloise, Andrea and Matilda,' Leavitt explained. Eight Republicans ultimately voted against the legislation. Sen. Perry Dozier, R-Waitsburg, said while he supports the intent of stopping habitual speeders, he had concerns about oversight and monitoring 'creeping into others' with one or two isolated incidents. 'There could be an instance where you have to speed, a medical emergency where something is happening – maybe your wife's having a baby and you're exceeding the speed limit and then you get caught like that,' he said. The bill will go back to the House to concur with amendments made in the Senate before heading over to the governor. 'I've heard from the governor's office that they're very excited about this bill and about the ability to save lives,' Leavitt said. 'So I'm feeling very confident that we'll get it over the finish line this year.' This article was produced as part of the Murrow News Fellowship program, a collaborative effort between news outlets statewide and Washington State University.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
WA Senate passes bill on speed limiting devices for habitual speeders
The Brief The state Senate passed House Bill 1596, requiring habitual speeders to use devices limiting their cars to posted speed limits to reduce fatal crashes. Named "The BEAM Act" in honor of crash victims, the bill aims to change driver behavior and improve public safety. Despite some opposition, the bill returns to the House for amendments before heading to the governor, who supports it. OLYMPIA, Wash. - The state Senate passed a bill Tuesday morning attempting to stop habitual speeders in their tracks. Passed on a 40-8 vote, House Bill 1596 would require certain drivers to install an "intelligent speed assistance" device that limits their car to the posted speed limit of the area they are in. Drivers with the device would be allowed to exceed the speed limit up to three times a month. Similar to how ignition interlock devices are mandated for people with a history of drunk driving, a person would have a speed limiter if they get a restricted license that requires one, during a probation period after getting their license suspended for reckless driving or excessive speeding, or if they have been ordered to have a device by a court. What they're saying "Installing intelligent speed assistance devices in vehicles will guarantee that drivers physically cannot exceed the speed limit," said Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, during the floor debate. "It is also a reminder to the drivers of their dangerous driving behavior, and hopefully will serve as a tool for lasting behavior change," he added. "We're losing family members, we're losing lost souls to those who are intentionally choosing to drive fast. And this will provide an opportunity to save our neighbors and increase our public safety," said prime sponsor Rep. Mari Leavitt, D-University Place, after the bill passed. Leavitt pointed to state data showing fatal car crashes have been on an upward trend since 2019, with a growing number of them involving speeding. She was particularly moved by a crash in King County last March that killed 38-year-old Andrea Smith and three children. A man was accused of causing the crash by driving well over 100 miles an hour in a 40 mph zone. He pleaded guilty earlier this month. The bill was titled "The BEAM Act" in honor of those who died in the crash. "BEAM is an acronym for the first letter of the first name of the four who died last March in Renton, so Boyd, Eloise, Andrea and Matilda," Leavitt explained. The other side Eight Republicans ultimately voted against the legislation. Sen. Perry Dozier, R-Waitsburg, said while he supports the intent of stopping habitual speeders, he had concerns about oversight and monitoring "creeping into others" with one or two isolated incidents. "There could be an instance where you have to speed, a medical emergency where something is happening – maybe your wife's having a baby and you're exceeding the speed limit and then you get caught like that," he said. The bill will go back to the House to concur with amendments made in the Senate before heading over to the governor. "I've heard from the governor's office that they're very excited about this bill and about the ability to save lives," Leavitt said. "So I'm feeling very confident that we'll get it over the finish line this year." Albert James is a television reporter covering state government as part of the Murrow News Fellowship program – a collaborative effort between news outlets statewide and Washington State University. The Source Information in this story comes from Murrow News Fellow Albert James. Drunken night caught on bodycam costs Mercer Island cop his rank FEMA denies $34M in funds for WA bomb cyclone relief, gives no explanation 1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out 2 charged in brutal Burien kidnapping, attempted murder Watch: Coyote gets 'booped' by its potential rodent dinner Red Robin launching Bottomless Burger Pass for National Burger Month To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
