Bill Summary:

• AN ACT Relating to permitting peace officers to engage in a vehicular pursuit only when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that a person in the vehicle has committed or is committing a violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, a sex offense under RCW 9.94A.030, a vehicular assault offense under RCW 46.61.522, an assault in the first, second, third, or fourth degree offense under chapter 9A.36 RCW only if the assault involves domestic violence as defined in RCW 10.99.020, an escape under chapter 9A.76 RCW, or a driving under the influence offense under RCW 46.61.502, and imposing training requirements on pursuing officers, and modifying safety and supervision requirements on vehicular pursuits; amending RCW 10.116.060; and declaring an emergency.

What the Bill says:

• (1) A peace officer may not engage in a vehicular pursuit,  unless: (a)(((i))) There is  reasonable suspicion to believe that a person in the vehicle has committed or is committing  ((a)): (i) A violent offense ((or)) as defined in RCW 9.94A.030;

Our Summary Opinion:

• This bi-partisan bill restores the reasonable suspicion standard back into the law allowing for pursuit of a vehicle under certain circumstances. It isn’t perfect but it does provide for immediate action rather than no action.