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Saturday, March 04, 2017

HEARING ALERT: Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act Of 2017

Important Legislation Aims to Hold Impaired Drivers Accountable and Make Travel on Maryland’s Roads Safer
Note: House Judiciary Committee to Hold Hearing on HB 371 on March 1, 2017, 1:00 PM

“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

Governor Hogan Has Taken Action To Keep Drunk Drivers Off Our Roads And Make Road 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)

In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Alex And Calvin’s Law, Imposing Strict Penalties Against Adults Who Provide Alcohol To Individuals Under 21 Years Old; Adults Can Face Up To 1 Year In Jail If Under Aged Individuals Seriously Injure Themselves Or Others While Driving Impaired. “Prohibits a person from knowingly and willfully allowing an individual under 21 years old to possess or consume an alcoholic beverage at a residence the person owns or leases; and in which the person resides or furnishing an alcoholic beverage for consumption to an individual under 21 years old if the adult knew or reasonably should have known the individual would operate a motor vehicle and did operate the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and caused serious injury or death.” “According to the new law if a parent gives an underage child alcohol they could face up to a year in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000 if the drinkers drive and then cause any injury.“ (Press Release “Governor Larry Hogan Signs 144 Bills Into Law,” Office Of The Governor, 5/19/16; Julian Sadur, “Alex And Calvin’s Law Not In Effect In Md.,” WMDT, 11/1/16)

In September 2016, Governor Hogan Secured More Than $12 Million In Federal Grants To Help Strengthen And Expand Efforts To Address Traffic Safety. Governor Larry Hogan today announced over $12.5 million in federal highway safety funds granted to more than 80 agencies and organizations across Maryland to help strengthen and expand the state’s efforts to save lives on Maryland roads. The funds will be distributed by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office to law enforcement agencies and traffic safety advocates throughout Maryland.” (Press Release, “Maryland Announces More Than $12 Million In Highway Safety Grants,” Office Of The Governor, 9/19/16)

Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act Of 2017

The Governor’s Proposal Targets Repeat Offenders Of Drunk Driving And Creates A Felony Offense,Punishable By Up To 10 Years For Anybody Who Has Been Convicted Of Causing A Death Or Life Threatening Injury And Has A Subsequent Drunk Driving Offense, As Well As Anyone Convicted Of Drunk Or Drugged Driving After Three Previous Violations. “A person who violates any provision of § 21–902 of this article is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both 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.” (“House Bill 371,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/25/17)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

does this apply to the kops also? some of the biggest violators out there!

Anonymous said...

About time!

Anonymous said...

yep.

Anonymous said...

What took this so long? It's been discussed as a need for about 30 years.