HEARING ALERT: Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act Of 2019

Important Legislation Holds Impaired Drivers AccountableNote: House Judiciary Committee to Hold Hearing On HB 230 on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 1:00 PM

“Our administration is committed to doing everything we can to prevent future impaired driving crashes and fatalities. We must do everything in our power to save lives and to prevent future tragedies, and by working together, we can make a difference and we can save lives.” - Governor Larry Hogan, November 19, 2018

Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act Of 2019

Governor Hogan’s Proposed Legislation Creates A Felony Punishable By Up To 10 Years For Anyone Convicted Of A Drunk Or Drugged Driving Offense On Three Or More Prior Occasions, As Well As Anyone Convicted Of Causing A Death Or A Life-Threatening Injury On Their Second And/Or Subsequent Offenses. “A person may not violate subsection (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this section if the person has previously been convicted of: Three or more violations of any provision of subsection (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this section; or a violation of § 2-503, § 2-504, § 2-505, § 2-506, or § 3-211 of the Criminal Law Article. For purposes of this subsection, a conviction for a crime under the laws of any state or the United States that would be a crime included in paragraph (1) of this subsection if committed in this State shall be considered a prior conviction under this subsection. A person who violates this subsection 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.” (“House Bill 230,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/24/19)

This Is The Third Year In A Row That Governor Hogan Has Proposed The Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act.(“Senate Bill 312,” Maryland General Assembly; “Senate Bill 296,” Maryland General Assembly)   

• In Maryland, Approximately One Third Of Roadway Deaths Involve Impaired Driving. “Between 2013 and 2017 in Maryland, more than 800 people were killed and more than 16,400 were injured in a crash where drugs and/or alcohol were involved. Approximately one-third of Maryland’s roadway deaths each year involve impaired driving.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Memorializes Victims Of Drunk Driving Crashes,” Office Of The Governor, 11/19/18)

Governor Hogan Has Taken Action To Keep Drunk Drivers Off Of Roads

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 One 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 Now In Effect In Md.,” WMDT, 11/1/16)