The bill amends Kansas laws related to driving under the influence (DUI) by reclassifying DUI offenses involving commercial vehicles as person crimes and increasing penalties for first and second DUI convictions. Specifically, it changes the classification of these misdemeanors from "nonperson" to "person," resulting in harsher penalties, including a minimum of 48 hours to a maximum of six months of imprisonment for a first conviction and a minimum of 120 hours for a second conviction. Enhanced penalties are also introduced for offenders with children in the vehicle, mandating an additional month of imprisonment. The bill establishes conditions for probation, including mandatory alcohol and drug evaluations, and prohibits plea bargaining that circumvents mandatory penalties.

Additionally, the bill revises sentencing guidelines for certain offenses, setting a minimum sentence of 90 days and a maximum of one year, with fines ranging from $1,750 to $2,500. It requires individuals on probation to serve at least 30 days of confinement, which can be fulfilled through various programs. The bill also mandates participation in a multidisciplinary model for substance use disorders and enhances penalties for offenders with children in the vehicle. It includes provisions for the prosecution of ordinance violations that align with felony violations, directing city attorneys to refer such cases to county or district attorneys and prohibiting plea bargaining to evade penalties. The bill allocates increased fines to community programs and establishes a new alcohol and drug abuse treatment fund, while repealing certain sections of existing law.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 8-2, 8-1567, 75-52