Statement from Rep. Eric Robertson on the failure to bring legislation relating to law enforcement vehicular pursuits to the House floor

Rep. Eric Robertson, R-Sumner, released the following statement on the failure to bring House Bill 1363 relating to law enforcement vehicular pursuits to the House floor for a full chamber debate and vote.  

“Through a procedural motion on the House floor today, I asked the Speaker of the House to bring House Bill 1363 relating to law enforcement vehicular pursuits to the House floor for a full debate and vote. Unfortunately, my motion was denied, and the Legislature will not act on this vital policy this session. It is frustrating and disappointing that public safety is not a higher priority.

“We have heard from the citizens, local governments, and businesses from across the state that they are frustrated at the lawlessness happening around our communities.

“We have seen the headlines, including a heartbreaking story about two children who recently lost their lives because of our current law and law enforcement's inability to pursue a fleeing suspect.

“We have heard countless stories from law enforcement agencies on how the current probable cause standard is not working. The top priority is to bring back the reasonable suspicion standard.

“We had a bipartisan solution to unhandcuff our law enforcement officers and give them back this important tool so they can effectively do their job.

“We thought we were at least taking one step forward when the House Community Safety, Justice and Reentry and Transportation Committees passed a modified version of the bill only allowing certain circumstances where the reasonable suspicion standard could be used.

“Today, we took two huge steps backward as the Legislature continues to send the message to criminals that they can do whatever they want with no consequence for their actions.”

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov