Washington Senate Passes .05% BAC Bill, House Committee to Vote Tuesday
Updated (2 articles)
Testimony Highlights Tragedy Behind BAC Reform Shellie Coury testified before the House Community Safety Committee, describing how her 12‑year‑old son Gabriel was killed on July 11 2023 when a 19‑year‑old driver, intoxicated and high, struck him while traveling over 90 mph in a 35 mph zone in Kent [1]. Her account underscores the personal impact driving under the influence has on families and fuels calls for stricter limits.
Proposed Law Lowers Legal BAC to .05% The legislation, now in its fourth consecutive year, seeks to reduce Washington’s legal blood‑alcohol content threshold from .08% to .05%, aligning the state with Utah, the only other U.S. jurisdiction that enforces the stricter standard [1]. Advocates argue the lower limit will better identify impaired drivers and prevent future fatalities.
Legislative Progress and Uncertain House Vote After clearing the Senate, the bill moves to the House Community Safety Committee, which is scheduled to vote next Tuesday; its passage remains uncertain despite committee chair Rep. Roger Goodman’s tentative support [1]. The outcome will determine whether Washington joins Utah in adopting the .05% limit.
Industry and Legal Opposition Raises Liability Concerns Andrea Reay of the Washington Hospitality Association and defense attorneys oppose the measure, claiming it shifts blame from individual offenders to businesses and expands liability without proven safety benefits [1]. Their objections highlight potential economic and legal ramifications for the hospitality sector.
Political Support Remains Cautiously Optimistic Sponsor Sen. John Lovick describes the proposal as the toughest legislation he has ever tackled, while Rep. Goodman acknowledges the bill’s potential but notes that its fate is “up in the air” [1]. Their comments reflect a blend of enthusiasm and caution among key lawmakers.
Timeline
Jul 11, 2023 – Gabriel Coury, 12, dies when a 19‑year‑old driver under the influence of alcohol and marijuana strikes him at over 90 mph in a 35 mph zone in Kent, Washington, igniting calls to lower the state’s blood‑alcohol limit. [1]
1990s – Impairment involvement in Washington’s deadly crashes falls below the current level, which now exceeds half of all fatal collisions, underscoring a return to historically higher risk conditions. [2]
Dec 27, 2025 – State Senator John Lovick announces he will re‑introduce the .05 % BAC bill when the 2026 session opens, noting that former opponents now back it; a Washington Traffic Safety Commission poll shows overall support at 54 % and 71 % among drivers 21+ after briefing. [2]
Jan 2026 – The Washington Legislature convenes for its regular session; Sen. Lovick files the .05 % BAC measure, and the proposal clears the Senate, moving to the House for consideration. [1]
Feb 20, 2026 – Shellie Coury testifies before the House Community Safety Committee, urging a cut from .08 % to .05 % BAC and recounting her son’s fatal crash; hospitality lobbyist Andrea Reay argues the bill shifts blame and expands liability without proven safety gains, while Committee Chair Rep. Roger Goodman says the bill’s fate is “up in the air,” and sponsor Sen. John Lovick calls it “the toughest legislation I’ve ever tackled.” [1]
Feb 27, 2026 – The House Community Safety Committee is scheduled to vote on the .05 % BAC proposal, a decisive step that will determine whether Washington joins Utah as the only U.S. state with the stricter limit. [1]
2026 onward (future) – If enacted, Washington would join Utah as the sole U.S. jurisdiction with a .05 % BAC limit, aligning with more than 150 countries; advocates such as Spokane climbing coach Josh Jackman say the change will alter drivers’ planning even if it does not curb consumption. [2]