Legislature passes bill to strengthen DUI law

OLYMPIA - The Legislature has passed a bill designed to curtail driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

House Bill 1493 - contains language introduced by Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley - passed the house 69-27 on March 6. It passed the Senate unanimously Feb. 29.

The bill awaits Gov. Jay Inslee's signature to become law.

"The passage of this bill is a major step toward making our roads and highways safer," said Padden, Republican leader on the Senate Law and Justice Committee. "It includes provisions that will keep more repeat impaired drivers off the road."

An amendment app...