The State House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Monday in Olympia to increase sentences for vehicular homicide convictions.
House Bill 2216, sponsored by state Rep. Christopher Hurst, D-Enumclaw, would increase the penalty for vehicular homicide by DUI to a range of 78 to 102 months from the current range of 31 to 41 months. The new sentencing range would be the same as a sentence for first-degree manslaughter.
The legislation now goes to the Senate. Sen. David Frockt, D-Seattle, has sponsored a similar bill, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Legislators will hear from families who have lost loved ones to drunk drivers when the bill comes before a Senate committee.
King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg and Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist are among those in favor of the longer sentences.
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