This bill amends the penalties associated with refusing consent to alcohol testing and modifies the consequences for aggravated driving while intoxicated (DWI). Specifically, it increases the suspension period for a first refusal from 180 days to one year, and for individuals with prior DWI convictions, it raises the suspension from 2 years to 3 years. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision allowing courts to suspend up to 180 days of the license suspension for individuals who plead guilty or nolo contendere to certain offenses. The bill also adds new language regarding the penalties for aggravated DWI, including mandatory minimum sentences, fines, and requirements for substance use disorder evaluations.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that individuals convicted of aggravated DWI under certain conditions will face a class A misdemeanor charge, a minimum fine of $750, and a mandatory sentence of at least 17 consecutive days in a correctional facility, which may be suspended contingent upon compliance with a substance use disorder evaluation and service plan. The bill also mandates the installation of an interlock device for offenders and outlines the conditions under which a driver's license may be revoked or suspended. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265-A:14, 265-A:18