EPHRATA - A state bill increasing the penalties for vehicular homicide is heading to the governor.

Second Substitute House Bill 2216 passed the senate recently.

The bill, supported by Grant County Prosecutor Angus Lee, more than doubles the penalty for people committing vehicular homicide while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The state sets sentencing ranges for crimes based on the crime committed and the number and type of past convictions, according to a report on the bill. The judge has to sentence the person within the range. The judge can impose an exceptional sentence under certain circumstances.

Lee met with Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, and Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, to push for the legislation.

"Currently under Washington law a first time offender, who is convicted of vehicular homicide, will face a sentence range of only 31 to 41 months," Lee stated. "A sentence like that does not properly punish the offender nor does it create the necessary deterrence to protect the community. A vehicle is a deadly weapon and Washington law needs to reflect that reality."

If the governor signs the bill, it would increase the sentencing range to 78 to 102 months for people with no prior convictions committing the crime, according to the bill report.

"Over the years, I have spent hours speaking with the family members of those killed by a drunk driver. They are always shocked by the horrific event that took their loved one, but when they learn the maximum sentence allowed under the current law, they are devastated," Lee stated. "We can not bring back those already lost, but we can fix the law to create a better deterrent and to make sure the that punishment fits the crime."