Radio Report: House approves limited police pursuit bill with mixed vote

April 11, 2023

Just after midnight (Tuesday morning), lawmakers in the state House of Representatives passed a controversial bill that allows police to pursue suspects on a very limited basis. John Sattgast reports from the state Capitol.

SATTGAST: Democrats voting against the bill argued it goes too far. Republicans, such as Puyallup Representative Kelly Chambers, said the measure doesn't go far enough…

CHAMBERS: “And this. . . this is the best we can come up with? This doesn't do enough. Not even close.”

SATTGAST: Senate Bill 5352 would lower the “probable cause” standard for police pursuits to “reasonable suspicion” in limited cases involving those suspected of committing a violent crime, a sex offense, domestic violence-related offenses, driving under the influence, and trying to escape arrest. Battle Ground Republican Greg Cheney reluctantly voted yes. . .

CHENEY: “It's better than we have now. But it's not nearly good enough.”

SATTGAST: Goldendale Republican Representative Gina Mosbrucker voted for the bill but said more is needed to ensure police can pursue and capture criminals.

MOSBRUCKER: “This is a step forward. It's a small step forward. It's too small of a step forward. But at the end of the day, our job is to keep moving forward until we get to something that people agree on.”

SATTGAST: The bill passed 57 to 40 with lawmakers from both parties voting yes and no. It now returns to the Senate for further consideration.

John Sattgast, the state Capitol.