BIPARTISANSHIP ALERT: Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act Of 2017

Both Chambers of Maryland General Assembly Vote to Approve Important Legislation to Hold Impaired Drivers Accountable and Make Travel on Maryland’s Roads Safer

“Our new ‘Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act of 2017’ will help ensure that moving forward we have more tools at our disposal to hold these offenders accountable for their crimes, while also helping to protect future potential victims of repeat drunk drivers.” - Governor Larry Hogan, January 12, 2017

Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act Of 2017

Governor Hogan’s Proposed Legislation Targets Repeat Offenders Of Drunk Driving; Anybody Who Has Been Convicted Of Causing A Death Or Life Threatening Injury And Has A Subsequent Drunk Driving Offense Can Be Subjected To Face Up To 10 Years In Prison. “§ 21–902 of this article ('driving while impaired by drugs or drugs and alcohol')... A person may not violate any provisions of § 21–902 of this article if the person has previously been convicted of: Three or more violations of any provision of § 21–902 of this article; or a violation of § 2–209, § 2–210, § 2–503, § 2–504, § 2–505, §2–506, or § 3–211 of the Criminal Law Article…. A person who violates this section is guilty... and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.” “Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a person convicted of a violation of § 21–902(A)(3), (B)(2), (C)(3), or (D)(2) of this article who has three or more prior convictions under § 21–902 of this article is subject to the penalties provided under § 27–116 of this title." (“Senate Bill 312,” Maryland General Assembly, 3/16/17; “House Bill 371,” Maryland General Assembly, 3/15/17)

Governor Hogan’s Proposed Legislation Builds On His Strong Record Of Taking Action To Keep Drunk Drivers Off Our Roads And Make Travel Throughout Maryland Safer

In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Noah’s Law, Legislation Requires Ignition Interlock Devices For Individuals Convicted Of Drunk Driving In Maryland. “Among the bills signed today was SB 945, more commonly known as Noah’s Law, which will require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of drunk driving in the state of Maryland. The legislation, which was strongly supported by the Hogan administration, was named for Montgomery County police officer Noah Leotta, who was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver last December.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Signs 144 Bills Into Law,” Office Of The Governor, 5/19/16)
Governor Hogan: “As I mentioned, last year we were proud to enact Noah’s Law, which now requires ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of drunk driving in Maryland. It’s already saving lives.” (Remarks, “Justice For Victims Initiative,” 1/12/17)

Common Sense Bipartisan Proposal Received Strong Support In Both Chambers Of The Maryland General Assembly

The Maryland State Senate Approved The Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act Of 2017 With Near Unanimous Support By A Vote Of 46-1. (“Senate Bill 312,” Maryland General Assembly, 3/18/17)

The Maryland House Of Delegates Unanimously Approved The Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act Of 2017 By A Vote Of 140-0. (“House Bill 371,”Maryland General Assembly, 3/21/17)