The bill amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish a new Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Treatment Program, replacing the previous Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program. This program will be implemented by the court of common pleas in each judicial district and the Municipal Court of Philadelphia, aiming to provide structured evaluations and treatment for individuals charged with DUI offenses. The bill emphasizes the grading of DUI offenses and associated penalties, particularly for repeat offenders, who may face harsher consequences, including felony charges. It also mandates participation in alcohol highway safety programs and requires evaluations to determine defendants' treatment needs.
Key amendments include provisions for the immediate discharge of offenders who do not comply with program rules, a minimum six-month court supervision period, and financial responsibilities such as restitution and payment of municipal costs. The bill outlines conditions for mandatory suspension of operating privileges based on blood alcohol concentration levels and specifies procedures for handling violations of program terms. Notably, defendants removed from the program due to non-compliance will not be eligible for expungement of their criminal record, while successful completion will allow for automatic expungement under certain conditions. The Department of Transportation will maintain a record of the conviction, ensuring that information remains accessible for future legal considerations.