JUSTICE ACTION NETWORK URGES GOV. INSLEE TO SIGN BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO END DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSION FOR FAILURE TO PAY FINES

SB5226, a Key Driver's License Reform Bill, Would Make over 64,000 Washingtonians Eligible for License Reinstatement & Reduce Suspensions by up to 40,000 per Year 

(Olympia, WA) – After overwhelming support in the Washington State House (80-17) and passing in the Senate (33-16), SB5226 was concurred by the Senate and sent to Governor Jay Inslee. The bipartisan criminal justice reform, Senate Bill 5226, will eliminate “failure to pay” fines and fees as cause for driver’s license suspension in non-criminal traffic infractions. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Jesse Salomon (D-32) and Senator Jaime Pedersen (D-43), now awaits a signature from Governor Inslee. 

S.B. 5226 will:

• Eliminate failure to pay fines and fees as cause for driver’s license suspension in non-criminal traffic infractions, reducing the number of suspensions per year by up to 40,000;

• Make over 64,000 Washingtonians eligible for license reinstatement; and,

• Expand access to court payment plans.

“For decades, thousands of hard-working Washingtonians have been penalized for poverty, having their licenses suspended and lives upended simply for being unable to pay fines and fees for non-criminal traffic infractions,” said Carl Filler, State Policy Analyst for the Justice Action Network. “This bipartisan legislation, which passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate, will put an end to this practice and eliminate ‘failure to pay’ as the sole cause for driver’s license suspension. 

“We urge Governor Inslee to sign this critical piece of legislation so it can start changing lives. We are grateful to Representatives Hackney, Fey, Taylor, and Simmons for championing this bill in the House, and Senators Salomon and Pedersen for their leadership,” continued Filler.