The Washington State House of Representatives has passed the Andrea Smith Hudson Act (HB 1596), aimed at addressing reckless speeding and reducing fatalities. The bipartisan bill, named after a victim of a speeding-related crash, is now headed to the state Senate.
According to the Washington State House Democrats release, the bill, introduced by Rep. Mari Leavitt, D-University Place, targets dangerous driving by requiring individuals with suspended licenses for repeated speeding violations to install Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) devices in their vehicles. These devices would limit driving to essential places such as work or medical appointments. Rep. Leavitt emphasized, "This bill is about saving lives—plain and simple."
Statistics show a troubling increase in fatal accidents involving speeding, with a nearly 40% rise in such incidents from 2019 to 2023. In 2023, excessive speed contributed to 251 deaths, and citations for driving over 50 mph above the speed limit rose 200% from 2019 to 2024. The act honors Andrea Smith Hudson, who was killed by a speeding driver, along with three children.
The Seattle Times Editorial Board has supported HB 1596, stating, "Courts and law enforcement in Washington should be afforded access to technology that can help reduce speeding and thus save lives. HB 1596 would do just that," in the same release. The National Transportation Safety Board and several police and worker groups also support the bill.
For updates, individuals can visit the state Legislature’s website, and more information on the bill is available on Rep. Leavitt’s website.
