OLYMPIA, WA – When law enforcement can pursue a vehicle is one of the topics being debated in the Washington State Legislature after a new law, House Bill 1054, took affect in mid-2021. Before they can engage in a pursuit, they must determine if the driver is under suspicion for a violent or sexual crime, or an escape offense. Under the old law, law enforcement could engage in a pursuit under a reasonable suspicion the driver was involved in a crime.
Proponents of the new law believe it is responsible for an increase in personal property crimes like auto theft. Representative Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland) is an attorney who has served on numerous committees which centered on law enforcement policies. While on the TVW show “Impact” (watch below), he explained what the new law entails.
Goodman says he doesn’t think they got it right with the 2021 bill.
Meanwhile, Representative Eric Robertson (R-Sumner) says they have had two years of “experience” that have illuminated the fact that the new law is “broken.”
Several bills have been introduced to address the concerns over the 2021 law.
