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HB 1074

Excluding any person who is convicted of a hit and run resulting in death from being eligible for a first-time offender waiver.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Burnett and 3 co-sponsors

Washington bill permanently bars people convicted of hit-and-run deaths from first-time offender waivers that would vacate convictions.

Public hearing in the House Committee on Community Safety at 4:00 PM.
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Bill Summary · HB 1074

Legislative bill overview

HB 1074 would permanently bar individuals convicted of hit-and-run resulting in death from accessing Washington's first-time offender waiver program. Currently, Washington law allows eligible first-time offenders to have their convictions vacated or dismissed under certain conditions; this bill creates a categorical exclusion for this specific offense.

Why is this important

Hit-and-run fatalities represent a serious breach of public safety and accountability—offenders flee the scene rather than render aid or report the incident. This bill reflects legislative intent to treat such convictions with heightened severity and deny a pathway that would otherwise allow these convictions to be removed from criminal records, potentially affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing opportunities.

Potential points of contention

  • Offense severity categorization: Debate over whether hit-and-run deaths warrant permanent exclusion compared to other fatal vehicular offenses, or whether intent/recklessness distinctions matter
  • First-time offender equity: Questions about whether denying rehabilitation and record-clearing opportunities to first-time offenders differs in principle from how repeat offenders are treated, and rehabilitation philosophy
  • Scope clarity: Uncertainty about whether the exclusion applies only to intentional hit-and-runs or includes accidents where the driver fled without knowing someone died

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

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