Bill > H2213

This bill proposes several changes to existing laws concerning repeat offenders, primarily focusing on driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. It mandates that individuals convicted of certain DUI offenses, particularly those with higher blood alcohol percentages or involving repeat offenses, will have their probation, parole, or furlough periods include a minimum of 30 or 60 days of community service, depending on the severity of the offense. Furthermore, for these individuals, a mandatory condition of probation or parole will be an alcohol and drug assessment conducted by the Department of Public Health, with the recommendations becoming a binding part of their sentence, though inability to pay will not be a barrier if indigency is proven. The bill also increases the maximum prison sentences for certain repeat DUI offenses, from five years to seven years for some and from five years to ten years for others. Additionally, it introduces a new offense for operating a vehicle under the influence with a child under 14 years old present, carrying a potential jail sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $10,000, with the sentence beginning after any existing DUI sentence is served, and allows for an extension of license suspension or revocation in such cases.