Washington State Tackles DUI Backlog with Private Labs
Seattle News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · The Daily News Now!
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (api.fastcast.ai) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
Washington States Impaired Driving Crisis: New Law Allows Private Labs to Handle Toxicology Tests
Washington states impaired driving cases face a massive backlog, with thousands of samples awaiting toxicology tests. The state patrol lab is overwhelmed, leading to delays of up to 22 months in Seattle. Governor Bob Ferguson signed a new law allowing accredited private labs to handle these tests, easing the pressure. The backlog reached nearly 16,700 cases by the end of 2025, with submissions jumping 59% since 2014. Prosecutors and lawmakers worry these delays endanger lives, as seen in a Mason County case where a driver suspected of being high caused a fatal crash after a year-long wait for test results. Last years transportation budget added $3 million for more staff and equipment at the state lab, but long-term funding is crucial. Cities and counties opting for private labs must sign contracts ensuring staff availability for court and reimburse the state if needed.
Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.
Advertise on DNN:
[email protected]
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to [email protected].
View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/a7d1a623fc01cad9