SB 5890, sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall (R–Oak Harbor), seeks to set a clearer threshold for when an individual can be charged with negligent driving.

This bill is similar to SB 5238 from last session, which failed to advance. Both bills strengthen penalties for going more than 30 mph over the posted speed limit. Before amendments, both bills increased the charge to reckless driving.

Current law doesn’t specify a precise speed threshold for reckless driving or negligent driving charges. This specification will provide law enforcement with clearer guidelines, regardless of driver intent.

SB 5890 was voted out of the Senate Law & Justice Committee with amendments establishing that a person commits negligent driving in the first degree when they drive in a manner that is both “negligent and likely to endanger any person or property” and more than 30 mph over the posted speed limit.

The substitute bill also classifies a first violation as a misdemeanor and any subsequent violation as a gross misdemeanor. Negligent driving in the first degree is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Legislators have introduced a series of driving-related bills in recent years in efforts to create policy solutions aimed at improving a rising trend of increased traffic collisions and fatalities involving speed and impaired driving. AWC is supportive of bills that aim to increase the safety of our residents.