Law for Pasco hit-and-run victim clears hurdle

Jason’s Law, named for the father killed in an April 2 hit-and-run crash in Pasco, cleared a Washington state House committee by unanimous vote Tuesday.

The measure sponsored by Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, previously passed the Senate. Both Jason Smith’s family and Franklin County Prosecutor have testified in support of the law to strengthen sentencing guidelines for vehicular homicide while driving in a reckless manner.

The bill , approved by the House Public Safety Committee, would increase the sentencing range from 21-27 months to 78 to 102 months, putting it on par with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence.

Smith, 36, was killed when his car was hit broadside in Pasco by a pickup speeding to flee police. He had just dropped off a daughter at gymnastics.

This story was originally published February 23, 2016 at 5:56 PM with the headline "Law for Pasco hit-and-run victim clears hurdle."