Van Werven’s Hailey’s Law 2.0 and textbook cost legislation signed into law
Legislation that will keep drunk drivers off the road and let community and technical college students know whether “low cost” materials are available for their college courses were signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today.
The two bills, sponsored by Rep. Luanne Van Werven, both passed through the Legislature unanimously.
Van Werven introduced House Bill 2483, or Hailey's Law 2.0, after learning the original Hailey's Law had been ruled unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court.
Hailey was hit by a drunk driver on the Mount Baker Highway. The driver who hit her had been cited for DUI earlier that day, but was not booked into jail because of overcrowding. She was taken home by a state trooper only to call a taxi to go retrieve her car. After the horrific car crash, Huntley spent 45 days in Harborview Medical Center, four months in a nursing home, and a year in a wheelchair.
Unfortunately, the original Hailey's Law passed in 2011 was appealed following a DUI stop in January 2018 and the court ruled the law unconstitutional in 2019.
“My legislation addresses the court decision and will help keep impaired drivers from getting back in their cars. This has been an ongoing problem since the court decision,” said Van Werven, R-Lynden. “ This common sense legislation will keep innocent people on our roads from going through the tragedy Hailey had to endure.
Van Werven's bill would allow an officer to direct the impoundment of a vehicle when no reasonable alternatives exist. The bill also reiterates that if the officer determines impounding the vehicle is necessary for the protection of the public, the vehicle must be impounded for a minimum of 12 hours.
Van Werven's House Bill 1702 is one she has been working on with students from around the state to address the costs associated with higher education including course materials.
“This is a transparency and affordability measure. Students should have access to more information on the cost of their course materials,” said Van Werven. “Tuition and textbook costs have increased by more than 200% in twenty years. This will assist them in making financially sound decisions as they continue their higher education.”
The bill requires community and technical colleges to let students know at the time of registration whether “low-cost” materials are available. “Low cost” is defined as $50 or less. Students would also be notified when free online textbooks are used in college courses.
Van Werven did not attend the bill signings. Because of the COVID-19 crisis, Inslee is signing all bills sent to him by the Legislature in isolation, with no public ceremonies. Lawmakers have been asked not to attend, however the bill signings are being broadcast on TVW.
Both bills take effect on June 10, 2020.
