OLYMPIA— On Monday, May 12, Governor Bob Ferguson will sign House Bill 1596, also known as the BEAM Act, into law during a public ceremony in Olympia. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D–University Place), aims to hold the most dangerous drivers accountable by requiring the use of intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices for individuals with suspended licenses due to reckless or excessive speeding or as a condition of a court order.
The bill honors the lives of Buster B. Brown, Eloise Wilcoxson, Andrea Smith Hudson, and Matilda Wilcoxson, who were tragically killed in a high-speed crash in Renton in 2024. Andrea’s two children, Nolan and Charlotte Hudson, survived the crash but suffered life-altering injuries, as well as families across Washington who have lost a loved one to excessive speeding. Family members of the victims are expected to attend the bill signing to commemorate their loved ones and advocate for safer roads.
Media are invited to attend and will have the opportunity to interview family members, lawmakers, and traffic safety advocates, as well as test the demo vehicle with speed limiting technology installed. If media would like to interview family, there may be time before the bill signing as family members will also meet with Rep. Leavitt and the Governor at 2:00 p.m.
“This legislation is about accountability for persons for speeding and preventing future tragedies by addressing one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in Washington—excessive speed,” said Rep. Leavitt. “It’s also about honoring Andrea’s memory, the memory of the children who lost their lives, and other Washington families who died or lost a loved one, and protecting future families from experiencing the same tragedy.”
EVENT DETAILS – Monday, May 12, 2025
- Demo of speed limiter device (for media) | 12:00 p.m. The vehicle will be parked near the southeast corner of the Legislative Building.
- Bill signing for HB 1596 – the BEAM Act | 2:30 p.m. in the Governor’s Conference Room, Capitol Campus.
MEDIA RSVP and Inquiries:
Stephanie Davidsmeyer
stephanie.davidsmeyer@leg.wa.gov