Two Democratic legislators from St. Louis Park have introduced legislation that would attempt to make Minnesota roads safe by increasing penalties for drivers convicted of multiple DWIs.
The proposals come in the wake of the deadly DWI crash at Park Tavern in St. Louis Park last year. In that incident, 56-year-old Steven Frane Bailey drove his SUV into the restaurant’s busy outdoor patio on Labor Day weekend, injuring nine and killing two. Speaking in the community on Friday, Rep. Larry Kraft and Sen Ron Latz spoke about cracking down on individuals with multiple drunk driving convictions.
“This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger laws to prevent repeat DWI offenders from driving while impaired,” Kraft said.
Proposed DWI Law Changes
The legislation pitched by Kraft and Latz pushes for many significant changes, particularly to the state’s current ignition interlock program. Some of the changes include:
- Those required to use an ignition interlock device for one DUI conviction are required to do so for one year. The proposal increases that to two years.
- Those required to use an ignition interlock device for two DUI convictions are required to do so for two years. The proposal increases that to six years.
- Those required to use an ignition interlock device for three DUI convictions are required to do so for four years. The proposal increases that to 10 years.
- The proposal would also double the “look back” period, which is currently 10 years. The proposal means that any DWI convictions over a 20-year period would be included when determining how long an offender needs to use an ignition interlock device.
- The bill would also seek to change the fee requirement for an ignition interlock device. Currently, offenders are required to pay $680 in fees and surcharges before they can drive on a restricted license with an interlock, and that doesn’t even include leasing and maintenance fees. The proposal would spread out these fees so that upfront costs are not a deterrent to entering the program.
- Repeat offenders would also be required to attend alcohol treatment programs.
The proposals will be pitched at a first committee hearing later this week.
It will be interesting to see how the proposals are met by legislators on both sides. Obviously we all want our roads to be safer, but if resources could be better spent on treatments and deterrents before someone gets multiple DWIs on their records, these proposals may not be the best choice. We’ll see how other legislators respond to the first version of the proposal when it is read at the committee hearing later this week.
For assistance contesting a drunk driving charge or similar traffic offense, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
