The bill amends Chapter 31-27 of the General Laws, specifically targeting driving under the influence (DUI) of intoxicating substances. It defines DUI as a misdemeanor and outlines the penalties for first-time offenders based on their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or presence of controlled substances, with varying fines, community restitution hours, imprisonment, and license suspension durations. The bill also introduces provisions for servicemembers or veterans, allowing them to complete court-approved counseling programs administered or approved by the Veterans’ Administration. Additionally, it extends the look-back period for considering prior DUI offenses from five years to ten years, affecting the severity of penalties for second violations, which include mandatory fines, license suspension, jail sentences, and the requirement of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing.

For third or subsequent violations within the ten-year period, the offense is classified as a felony with increased penalties, including vehicle seizure and sale by the state. The bill also imposes harsher penalties for DUI offenses with a child under thirteen in the vehicle and mandates a highway assessment fine for any DUI conviction. It addresses underage DUI offenses with specific penalties, including license suspension and fines, and mandates a clinical assessment for any person convicted of a DUI, with referrals to appropriate treatment facilities. The bill allows for waivers of the ignition interlock system requirement for those under the influence of drugs but not alcohol, establishes an alcohol and drug safety unit within the Division of Motor Vehicles, and includes a new legal insertion related to chemical testing for DUI offenses. The bill also outlines the consent to chemical tests by drivers, the procedures for administering these tests, and the penalties for refusal, including the addition of saliva to the list of testable substances and the extension of the look-back period for repeat offenses. It specifies the jurisdiction of the traffic tribunal and district court over charges related to refusal to submit to chemical tests and sets the act to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
2937  as amended: 31-41.1-11
2937: 31-41.1-11