SB 5333 aims to increase penalties for eluding police and resisting arrest. The bill, sponsored by Sen. John Lovick (D–Mill Creek), creates an impoundment and forfeiture procedure for vehicles used to elude law enforcement.

Key provisions include:

• Vehicle impoundment & forfeiture: Vehicles used to evade police may be impounded and repeat offenses could result in vehicle forfeiture.
• Mandatory electronic monitoring: Courts must place individuals charged with attempting to elude police or resisting arrest on electronic monitoring upon release.
• Increased supervision & community custody: Offenders convicted of attempting to elude police are subject to stricter supervision, including community custody and electronic monitoring.
• Stronger juvenile penalties: Juveniles adjudicated for attempting to elude police must submit to electronic monitoring as part of their parole.

This legislation is intended to help address the issues arising from a pattern of suspects fleeing from law enforcement via motor vehicle over the last few years.

Dates to remember

SB 5333 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Law & Justice Committee on Monday, February 17 at 10:30 am.

SB 5333 is scheduled for committee vote in the Senate Law & Justice Committee on Thursday, February 20 at 10:30 am.