This bill proposes amendments to the existing laws regarding the refusal of consent to testing for alcohol concentration and the penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated (DWI). The bill seeks to increase the suspension period for a first refusal to submit to testing from 180 days to one year. For individuals with prior convictions or refusals, the suspension period would increase from 2 years to 3 years. Additionally, the bill specifies that these suspension periods shall not run concurrently with any other penalty imposed under the law and must be served in addition to any other legal penalties.

The bill also introduces a provision that allows the court to suspend up to 180 days of the license suspension if the offender pleads guilty or no contest to an offense resulting in a conviction under certain DWI statutes. For aggravated DWI offenses, the bill outlines mandatory penalties, including a class A misdemeanor charge, a minimum fine of $750, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 17 days in a correctional facility, which may be suspended subject to certain conditions. The bill also mandates the installation of an interlock device and provides for license revocation for not less than 18 months, with the possibility of a reduced revocation period upon compliance with a service plan. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, and the fiscal impact on state, county, and local governments is indeterminable at this time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265-A:2, 265-A:4, 265-A:11, 265-A:21, 265-A:30, 265-A:31
As Amended by the Senate: 265-A:14, 265-A:18