WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1426

Creating a civil protection order to prevent impaired driving.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by April Berg and 12 co-sponsors

Washington bill creates civil court orders to restrict driving privileges for individuals suspected of habitual impaired driving before criminal conviction.

Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1426

Legislative bill overview

HB 1426 would create a new civil protection order mechanism in Washington specifically designed to prevent impaired driving. The bill allows petitioners to seek court orders restricting individuals suspected of habitual impaired driving from operating vehicles, operating as a civil (rather than criminal) intervention tool.

Why is this important

Impaired driving causes approximately 13,000 deaths annually in the U.S., making this a significant public safety concern. This approach attempts to intervene before criminal charges materialize, potentially preventing accidents through civil court action rather than waiting for DUI arrests or convictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Creating civil restrictions on driving privileges based on suspected (not convicted) impairment raises constitutional questions about property rights and due process protections
  • Evidentiary standards: Unclear what evidence level would justify such orders—whether requiring criminal conviction, arrests, or lower civil standards—and how this affects accuracy and fairness
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Questions about how courts would monitor compliance and what penalties would apply, plus practical challenges in proving violations without roadside testing
  • Scope creep risks: Whether this framework could expand to other types of restricted driving (medical conditions, age-based, etc.) and whether it duplicates existing DUI/administrative license suspension laws

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.