This bill amends the penalties associated with refusing consent to testing for alcohol concentration and modifies the penalties 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 extends the suspension period 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.

Furthermore, the bill outlines new penalties for aggravated DWI offenses, including a mandatory minimum sentence of 17 consecutive days in a county correctional facility, a fine of at least $750, and the requirement to install an interlock device. The bill also stipulates that individuals must undergo a substance use disorder evaluation and comply with a service plan developed from that evaluation. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

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