Bill > S07613

This bill modifies New York's vehicle and traffic law to strengthen requirements for alcohol and drug rehabilitation for individuals convicted of driving while impaired. The bill mandates that when a person pleads guilty to a driving while impaired charge, they must attend and complete an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program, with limited opportunities for waiver. Previously, courts could waive this requirement "for other good cause shown," but the bill removes this broad exception. For first-time offenders charged with driving while ability impaired, the bill now explicitly requires participation in a rehabilitation program in addition to potential fines and jail time. Repeat offenders face increasingly severe penalties, with escalating fines and potential jail sentences for multiple offenses within five or ten years. The goal of these changes appears to be encouraging treatment and reducing repeat instances of impaired driving by making rehabilitation a more consistent and mandatory component of legal consequences for driving under the influence. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7613