Committee hears support for expanding reckless‑driving crime for extreme speeding and work‑zone cases

Engrossed Senate Bill 58 90 would expand the crime of reckless driving to include driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit in general and to include driving 20 miles per hour or more over posted limits in roadway construction work zones when workers are present. The change is set to take effect Sept. 1, 2026.

Witnesses voiced near‑unanimous support. "Speed is dangerous, especially when we're talking 20 or 30 miles an hour over the posted speed limit," James McMahon, policy director with the Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, said in support. Russell Brown of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys also supported the bill, praising floor amendments that clarified the measure as restricted to reckless driving.

Construction groups and labor unions focused on the work‑zone amendment. Thomas Duboe of Operating Engineers Local 302 said workers are often protected only by reflective vests and plastic barrels and that reckless driving should not be treated as an occupational hazard. Jerry Vanderwood of the Associated General Contractors cited rising work‑zone fatalities and urged the committee to move the bill forward.

Staff confirmed the amendment's scope: 20 mph over the limit in work zones with workers present is treated as reckless driving; outside work zones, the standard remains 30 mph over. The committee concluded the public hearing on SB 58 90 after the testimony and did not immediately take executive action on the bill during this session.