This bill amends the penalties associated with the refusal to submit to alcohol concentration 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 12 months and for subsequent refusals from 2 years to 3 years. Additionally, the bill allows courts to suspend up to 180 days of the license suspension imposed for refusal in conjunction with a guilty plea to certain DWI offenses. The bill also clarifies that any license suspensions under the aggravated DWI statute will run consecutively to any administrative suspensions imposed by the Department of Safety.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new penalties for aggravated DWI convictions, 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. It also mandates that individuals 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, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the penalties for driving under the influence and enhance public safety by addressing repeat offenders more rigorously.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265-A:14, 265-A:18
As Amended by the Senate: 265-A:14, 265-A:18
SB620 text: 265-A:14, 265-A:18