House committee steers controversial vehicle pursuit bill forward
OLYMPIA — A controversial bill giving police a wider berth for initiating pursuits cleared a House committee Thursday, keeping alive one of the most divisive issues in this year’s legislative session.
But changes proposed in the legislation would expire in two years under language added at the behest of an Everett lawmaker.
The House Community Safety, Justice and Reentry Committee approved House Bill 1363 to allow a law enforcement officer to initiate a chase with reasonable suspicion a person in a vehicle has committed or is committing a crime. Current law sets a higher threshold of probable cause in order to engage in a pursuit.
Under the bill, the crimes for which a pursuit can be undertaken are limited to a violent offense, a sex offense; domestic violence-related offenses, driving under the influence of alcohol or trying to escape arrest. Provisions adopted Thursday would expire July 1, 2025.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/house-committee-steers-controversial-vehicle-pursuit-bill-forward/
