This bill amends section 17C-5-2 of the Code of West Virginia to enhance the classification and penalties associated with driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. A key focus of the legislation is to recognize fleeing from law enforcement while under the influence as a DUI offense, thereby addressing a gap in the current law. The bill introduces new legal definitions for terms such as "impaired state," "bodily injury," and "serious bodily injury," and establishes penalties for DUI-related offenses, including felonies for causing death or serious bodily injury while impaired, and misdemeanors for lesser offenses. It also emphasizes the importance of the Motor Vehicle Test and Lock Program for reinstating driving privileges after a DUI conviction.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that "Fleeing DUI" is a predicate offense for subsequent DUI charges, specifically for second and third offenses, and grants the Division of Motor Vehicles the authority to create rules for implementing these changes. It mandates that court clerks transmit DUI conviction orders to the Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles immediately upon entering the order. The amendments made during the 2020 regular session of the Legislature are set to take effect on July 1, 2020. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding DUI offenses and improve public safety on West Virginia's roads.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17C-5-2