Relates to certain criminal penalties for driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs

• Democratic1
• Republican1

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jeremy Cooney says this is needed

Since 1975, the Impaired Driver Program (formally known as the Drinking Driver Program) has provided instruction and treatment assistance to those convicted of driving under the influence. The Impaired Driving Program began as a voluntary program that allowed people to receive a conditional license upon completion. However, beginning in 2006 it was made mandatory in certain plea-bargaining situations. Unfortunately, broad language in the current law allows judges to forgo sentencing many to the program. The Impaired Driving Program requires participants to complete 16 hours of classroom instruction over 7 weeks and complete substance abuse screening and treatment if needed. It is a valuable program that can help those convicted of driving under the influence learn from their mistakes and get needed help. With a rise in impaired driving convictions and crashes, requiring everyone convicted to complete this class will make a difference even if it is just a reminder about the consequences of driving under the influence. This bill removes some of the discretion judges have to waive the Impaired Driving Program requirement and makes it mandatory for anyone convicted of the violation of Driving While Ability Impaired ("DWAI"). DWAI is the most common conviction for those plea bargaining their first impaired driving charge.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.