Press Release 12/20/18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Major DUI Legislation that increases penalties for repeat DUI offenders goes into effect on December 23, 2018.
Harrisburg, PA (December 20, 2018) - Pennsylvania’s new DUI law which focuses on repeat DUI offenders, Act 153, goes into effect on December 23, 2018, prior to the dangerous Christmas/New Year’s holiday driving period.
This new law makes PA safer by increasing penalties to high risk DUI offenders, including those that continue to drive impaired as well as those who drive on a DUI-related suspended license. Changes under Act 153 include:
1) Felony penalty for a 3rd-time DUI conviction within 10 years, if third offense is with high blood-alcohol content of .16 or higher; and in all other cases at 4th offense. It should be noted that prior to Act 153, PA was one of only 4 states that did not treat repeat DUI as a felony, regardless of the number of prior DUI convictions.
2) Increased penalties for Homicide by Vehicle while DUI, which is currently a 3-year minimum sentence regardless of offender’s DUI history. Specifically:
· If convicted of a prior DUI, the minimum sentence for causing a death is 5 years;
· If convicted of two or more prior DUIs, the minimum sentence for causing a death is 7 years.
3) Increased penalties for various offenses associated with driving illegally while under a DUI-related license suspension.
There are over 1,000,000 DUI offenders in Pennsylvania that are subject to this new law, with an estimated 25,000 – 30,000 first-time DUI offenders being added to this group on an annual basis. Among this group of DUI offenders are 140,000 individuals with DUI-suspended driver licenses and an estimated 250,000 repeat DUI offenders. Although most people learn from their mistakes, many do not. In 2016, there were over 10,000 individuals convicted of their 2nd or subsequent DUI. These individuals who choose to continue driving impaired or while under a DUI-suspended license are the highest risk offenders and the ones that will experience the increased penalties for their conscious decision to violate these DUI laws.
The enactment of SB961 into Act 153 was led in large part by its primary sponsors, State Senator John Rafferty and State Senator Scott Martin. Senator John Rafferty, has been the leading champion for improving PA’s inadequate DUI laws, having also introduced SB 290, which became Act 33 in 2016, that requires the use of ignition interlock for convicted first-time DUI offenders. Senator Scott Martin was the primary co-sponsor of SB961, as his DUI bill, SB635, was amended into SB961 to make it a much stronger bill. Representative Keith Greiner helped pass SB961 in the House.
Pennsylvania Parents Against Impaired Driving (PAPAID) is a grass-roots organization of parents across Pennsylvania who have lost children to impaired drivers. Our members’ children have all paid the ultimate price of ineffective DUI/DUID laws in our state and our goal is to prevent additional senseless deaths and injuries by improving Pennsylvania’s ineffective DUI and DUID laws. Since its founding in 2016, PAPAID has been on the forefront of advocacy for improving PA DUI laws and was integral to the passage of recent DUI laws including SB961/Act 153 of 2018 and SB290/Act 33 of 2016.
Contact Information: Chris Demko, Co-Founder/PH 717-598-2458 / Email: help@papaid.org / Website: Papaid.org
Press Release 10/18/2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Major DUI legislation passed by legislators and presented to Governor - SB 961 increases penalties for repeat DUI offenders including those that injure and kill.
Harrisburg, PA (October 17, 2018) – Senate Bill 961 was passed overwhelmingly by the House and Senate and now moves to the Governor desk for his signature. Senate Bill 961 will increase penalties to repeat DUI offenders who continue to break DUI-related laws. Changes to existing laws will include:
1) Felony penalty for a 3rd-time DUI conviction within 10 years, if third offense is high blood-alcohol content of .16 or higher; and in all other cases at 4th offense. It should be noted that Pa. is one of only 4 states that does not treat repeat DUI as a felony, regardless of the number of prior DUI convictions.
2) Increased penalties for Homicide by Vehicle while DUI, which is currently a 3-year minimum sentence regardless of offender’s DUI history. Specifically:
· If convicted of a prior DUI, the minimum sentence for causing a death is 5 years;
· If convicted of two or more prior DUIs, the minimum sentence for causing a death is 7 years.
3) Increased penalties for driving while under a DUI-related license suspension.
“We thank John Rafferty for his leadership in sponsoring and navigating this major DUI legislation through the General Assembly, that dramatically improves Pennsylvania inadequate DUI laws. Many of the existing DUI-related laws do not distinguish between first time and repeat DUI offenders as well as those DUI offenders who continue to drive on a DUI-related suspended license. SB961 will clearly send the message that repeat DUI offenders are expected to learn from their mistakes and future DUI-related offenses will result in more serious penalties.”
This need for this legislation is critical as shown by the following PA DUI facts:
Repeat DUI offenders are responsible for approximately 40% of all DUI-related fatalities.
In 2016, over 10,000 individuals were convicted of their second or subsequent DUI.
An estimated 70,000 to 105,000 individuals with DUI convictions continue to drive on a suspended license.
There are over 50,000 new DUI cases annually.
On average in each of the past eight years, there are over 12,000 impaired crashes, resulting in 8,700 injuries and 320 deaths.
Pennsylvania is consistently ranked as one of the most lenient states for DUI laws. That includes ranking as the 5th-most lenient state for criminal DUI penalties, as well as the most lenient state for driving-under-suspension penalties.
SB 961 was introduced by Senator John Rafferty, who continues to lead efforts to improve PA’s inadequate DUI laws. Senator Scott Martin was primary co-sponsor as his SB635 was amended into SB961. Representative Keith Greiner help passed the legislation in the House.
Pennsylvania Parents Against Impaired Driving (PAPAID) is a grass-roots organization of Parents across Pennsylvania who have lost children to impaired drivers. Our members’ children have all paid the ultimate price of ineffective DUI/DUID laws in our state and our goal is prevent additional senseless deaths and injuries by improving Pennsylvania’s ineffective DUI and DUID laws. PAPAID is on the forefront of DUI advocacy for improving PA DUI laws including SB961.
Contact Information: Chris Demko, Co-Founder/PH 717-598-2458 / Email: help@papaid.org / Website: Papaid.org
Press Release 9/18/18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Need for PA House to pass pending major DUI legislation given the limited number of Session days left - SB 961 increases penalties for repeat DUI offenders including those that injure and kill.
Harrisburg, PA (September 18, 2018) – Senate Bill 961 is currently in the PA House Judiciary Committee, after passing in the PA State Senate in April 2018. With the limited number of Session days remaining prior to elections, the PA House of Representatives has an opportunity to pass legislation that will address DUI offenders who kill hundreds of loved ones every year across the state of PA. Failure to pass SB 961 will result in additional deaths that would otherwise be avoided. This legislation is a commonsense bill that passed overwhelmingly in the Senate by a vote of 45 – 4.
Senate Bill 961 would increase penalties to repeat DUI offenders who continue to break DUI-related laws. Changes to existing laws would include:
1) Felony penalty for a 3rd-time DUI conviction within 10 years, if third offense is high blood-alcohol content of .16 or higher; and in all other cases at 4th offense. It should be noted that Pa. is one of only 4 states that does not treat repeat DUI as a felony, regardless of the number of prior DUI convictions.
2) Increased penalties for Homicide by Vehicle while DUI, which is currently a 3-year minimum sentence regardless of offender’s DUI history. Specifically:
· If convicted of a prior DUI, the minimum sentence for causing a death is 5 years;
· If convicted of two or more prior DUIs, the minimum sentence for causing a death is 7 years.
3) Increased penalties for driving while under a DUI-related license suspension.
This proposed legislation is a material improvement for Pennsylvania as many of the existing DUI-related laws do not distinguish between first time and repeat DUI offenders as well as those who continue to drive on a DUI-related suspended license. SB961 will clearly send the message that repeat DUI offenders will be expected to learn from their mistakes and future DUI-related offenses will result in more serious penalties.
This need for this legislation is critical as shown by the following PA DUI facts:
Repeat DUI offenders are responsible for approximately 40% of all DUI-related fatalities.
In 2016, over 10,000 individuals were convicted of their second or subsequent DUI.
An estimated 70,000 to 105,000 individuals with DUI convictions continue to drive on a suspended license.
There are over 50,000 new DUI cases annually.
On average in each of the past eight years, there are over 12,000 impaired crashes, resulting in 8,700 injuries and 320 deaths.
Pennsylvania is consistently ranked as one of the most lenient states for DUI laws. That includes ranking as the 5th-most lenient state for criminal DUI penalties, as well as the most lenient state for driving-under-suspension penalties.
SB 961 was introduced by Senator John Rafferty, who continues to lead efforts to improve PA’s inadequate DUI laws. Senator Scott Martin was primary co-sponsor as his SB635 was amended into SB961. Representative Keith Greiner is also involved with efforts in the House.
Pennsylvania Parents Against Impaired Driving (PAPAID) is a grass-roots organization of Parents across Pennsylvania who have lost children to impaired drivers. Our members’ children have all paid the ultimate price of ineffective DUI/DUID laws in our state and our goal is prevent additional senseless deaths and injuries by improving Pennsylvania’s ineffective DUI and DUID laws. PAPAID is on the forefront of DUI advocacy for improving PA DUI laws including SB961.
Contact Information: Chris Demko, Co-Founder/PH 717-598-2458 / Email: help@papaid.org / Website: Papaid.org
PRESS RELEASE May 14, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fifteen Pennsylvania families who lost children in DUI-related crashes will join lawmakers in Harrisburg on May 22 to push for the advancement of Senate Bill 961, recently passed by the Senate and now with the House Judiciary Committee.
The bill would increase penalties for repeat DUI offenders who continue to break existing DUI laws and take innocent lives across Pennsylvania.
Pa. Senators John Rafferty and Scott Martin, Rep. Keith Greiner, and Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman will join Pennsylvania Parents Against Impaired Driving (PAPAID), which hosts the press event at 11:30 a.m. at the State Capitol Media Center at the Capitol Building.
Some of the impacted families will share stories of how their lives changed forever at the hands of intoxicated drivers who continued to drive despite existing restrictions, which have proven too lenient.
Senate Bill 961 was introduced by Sen. John Rafferty, who continues to lead efforts to improve Pennsylvania’s inadequate DUI laws. Sen. Scott Martin was primary co-sponsor as his SB 635 was amended into SB 961.
Changes to existing laws under SB 961 would include:
1) Felony penalty for a 3rd-time DUI conviction within 10 years, if third offense is high blood-alcohol content of .16 or higher; and in all other cases at 4th offense. It should be noted that Pa. is one of only 4 states that does not treat repeat DUI as a felony, regardless of the number of prior DUI convictions.
2) Increased penalties for Homicide by Vehicle while DUI or DUID, which is currently a 3-year minimum sentence regardless of offender’s DUI history. Specifically:
· If convicted of a prior DUI, the minimum sentence for causing a death is 5 years;
· If convicted of two or more prior DUIs, the minimum sentence for causing a death is 7 years.
3) Increased penalties for driving while under a DUI-related license suspension.
Overall, a dramatic improvement for Pennsylvania as many existing DUI-related laws do not distinguish between first-time and repeat DUI offenders, nor those who continue to drive on a DUI-related suspended license. SB961 clearly sends a message that repeat DUI offenders will face harsher penalties if they do not learn from their mistakes and continue to drive.
The need for this legislation is critical as shown in this Pennsylvania data:
· Repeat DUI offenders are responsible for approximately 40% of all DUI-related fatalities.
· In 2016, over 10,000 individuals were convicted of their second or subsequent DUI.
· An estimated 70,000 to 105,000 individuals with DUI convictions continue to drive on a suspended license.
· There are over 50,000 new DUI cases annually.
· On average in each of the past eight years, there are over 12,000 impaired crashes, resulting in 8,700 injuries and 320 deaths.
· Pennsylvania is consistently ranked as one of the most lenient states for DUI laws. That includes ranking as the 5th-most lenient state for criminal DUI penalties, as well as the most lenient state for driving-under-suspension penalties.
Pennsylvania Parents Against Impaired Driving (PAPAID) is a grass-roots organization of Parents across Pennsylvania who have lost children to impaired drivers. Our members’ children have all paid the ultimate price of ineffective DUI/DUID laws in our state and our goal is prevent additional senseless deaths and injuries by improving Pennsylvania’s ineffective DUI and DUID laws. PAPAID is on the forefront of DUI advocacy for improving PA DUI laws including SB 961.
Contact Information:
Chris Demko, Co-Founder
Phone: 717-598-2458 / Email: help@papaid.org
Website: Papaid.org
Facebook: Facebook.com/Papaid.org
Press Release 4/18/18
Pennsylvania Senate passes SB961 – increasing penalties for Repeat DUI Offenders including those that injure and kill.
Harrisburg, PA (April 18, 2018) – The Pennsylvania State Senate passed Senate Bill 961 which would increase penalties to DUI offenders who continue to break DUI-related laws. Changes to existing laws would include:
1) Felony penalty for 3rd time DUI conviction within 10 years, if third offense is high BAC of .16 or higher, and in all other cases at 4th offense. It should be noted that PA is one of only 4 states that does not treat repeat DUI as a felony, regardless of number of prior DUI convictions.
2) Increased penalties for Homicide by Vehicle while DUI or DUID, which is currently a 3 year minimum sentence regardless of offender’s DUI history:
· If convicted of prior DUI, minimum sentence for death is 5 years
· If convicted of 2 or more prior DUIs, minimum sentence for death is 7 years
3) Increased penalties for driving while under license suspension due to prior DUI conviction
4) Increased penalties for Aggravated Assault by Vehicle while driving under the influence, when offender has suspended or revoked license due to prior DUI conviction.
Chris Demko of PAPAID, said: “Too many families, including my own, have lost children to repeat DUI offenders. This proposed legislation will save future lives and is a material improvement for Pennsylvania as many of the existing DUI-related laws do not distinguish between first-time and repeat DUI offenders, as well as those who continue to drive on a DUI-related suspended license.”
“Senate Bill 961 clearly sends the message that repeat DUI offenders will be expected to learn from their mistakes and future DUI-related offenses will result in more serious penalties.”
This legislation is critical as shown by the following facts pertaining to individuals who continue to break DUI laws after their first DUI conviction:
· Repeat DUI offenders are responsible for approximately 40% of all DUI-related fatalities.
· An estimated 70,000 to 105,000 individuals in PA with DUI convictions continue to drive on a suspended license.
· During 2016 there were over 10,000 individuals convicted of their 2nd or greater DUI in PA.
SB 961 was introduced by Senator John Rafferty (R – Chester/Berks/Montgomery Counties), who continues to lead efforts to improve PA’s inadequate DUI laws. Senator Scott Martin (R- Lancaster County), a co-sponsor, has also been key in broadening the focus of SB 961. The bill now moves to the House for its consideration.
Pennsylvania Parents Against Impaired Driving (PAPAID) is a grass-roots organization of parents across Pennsylvania who have lost children to impaired drivers. Our members’ children have all paid the ultimate price of ineffective DUI/DUID laws in our state and our goal is prevent additional senseless deaths and injuries by improving Pennsylvania’s inadequate DUI and DUID laws. PAPAID is on the forefront of advocacy for improving PA DUI laws including SB961.
Contact Information:
Chris Demko, Co-Founder
Phone: 717-598-2458
Email: help@papaid.org
Website: Papaid.org
Facebook: Facebook.com/Papaid.org
March 30, 2018
SB 961 is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor with expectation of a vote in the month of April. The bill has been amended since its introduction and will address repeat DUI offenders including those that choose to drive with a suspended license as follows:
1) Increase penalties for driving while under license suspension including:
· Repeat convictions
· Involved in crashes with injuries or fatalities
2) Increase penalties for Homicide by Vehicle while DUI or DUID
· If convicted of prior DUI, minimum sentence for death is 5 years
· If convicted of 2 or more prior DUI, minimum sentence for death is 7 years
3) Increase penalties for Aggravated Assault by Vehicle while driving under the influence, when offender has suspended or revoked license
4) Creates felony penalty for 3rd time DUI conviction within 10 years, if third offense is high BAC of .16 or higher. All other cases, at 4th offense.
5) Increases penalties for DUI offenders that refuse testing at time of offense
December 14, 2017
Senator Rafferty introduced SB 961 earlier this year, which would address repeat DUI offenders that kill. Just this week at the Senate Transportation Committee meeting, this bill was amended to include part of Senator Martin's SB 635. This amended bill was voted out of committee yesterday. This bill is a serious step forward in the fight against DUI as it clearly focuses on repeat offenders in Pennslyannia by increase penalties for these offenders including establishing a felony sentence for 3rd offenders with a high BAC of .16 or greater. The detail of the bill are below:
Increases the minimum term of imprisonment for Homicide by Vehicle while DUI from the current three years to five years if the person has one or two prior DUIs, and from three to seven years if the person has three or more prior DUIs. The bill retains the current consecutive term of incarceration for each victim.
Expands the Crimes Code to add a presumption of recklessness or negligence when the death of a person is caused by an individual committing a fourth or subsequent DUI offense within a ten-year period, and allows for that individual to be charged with third degree Murder.
Increases the grading for third Offense DUI with high levels of alcohol or drugs from a misdemeanor of the first degree to a felony of the third degree. Additionally increases the grading for all fourth and subsequent DUI’s to a felony of the third degree.
Increases sentencing provisions to Homicide by Vehicle, Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, and Aggravated Assault by Vehicle while DUI when the individual committing the offense is not properly licensed or under suspension.
September 25, 2017
A new law, Act 33 of 2016, becomes effective on August 25, 2017, and requires first-time DUI offenders with an illegal Blood Alcohol Content of .10 percent or higher to use ignition interlocks for at least 12 months. Thanks to Senator Rafferty, Representative Greiner and other legislators who supported the passage of Senator's Rafferty bill last year.
We are currently awaiting the introduction of a felony bill for repeat offenders in the House by Representative Greiner as well as movement on Senator Martin's Senate Bill #635 which would Increase penalties for repeat offenders including creating felony for third time offenders and lowers threshold for third degree murder. See our Position Paper for additional information on supported bills. We will be going back to Harrisburg in the fall to advocate for these bills.
May 7, 2017
PAPAID is visiting the State Capital in Harrisburg on May 9th and will be meeting with many members of Senate and House Leadership,Transportation and Judicial Committee Members and individual Senators and Representatives. We will also be holding a press conference at 10:30 AM in the Capital Media Center along with Representative Greiner, Senator Rafferty and Representative Don Costa. Additional speakers at the press onference include Lancaster DA Craig Stedman and York Chief Deputy Prosecutor Tm Barker. Members of PAPAID will also share stories of their losses, including those killed by high risk offenders. PAPAID's message is to ask legislators to focus on legislation that would address those that kill and injure the majority of DUI and DUID victims in Pennsylvania.
January 28, 2017
We are planning a spring visit to the Capital and working with individual legislators who are planning to introduce DUI legislation. Representative Keith Greiner is planning to reintroduce a DUI Felony bill, similar to last session's HB 2318.
On November 14, 2016, YDR and Pennsylvania Parents Against Impaired Driving will co-host a town hall meeting to discuss the issue of drinking and driving from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Goodwill FC#1 of Jacobus. The address is 1 S. Main Street, Jacobus, Pennsylvania, 17407.
The event will feature a panel discussion including family members of DUI victims, law enforcement officials, state lawmakers and others. The town hall will also include a Q&A segment that will allow audience members to join the discussion about what more can be done to reduce the incidence of impaired driving.
“As we head into the holiday season, we thought it would be a good time to hold a public discussion about preventing DUI tragedies,” said Scott Fisher, YDR community engagement editor. “We hope York countians will come out and share their stories about how DUI has affected them.”
Confirmed panelists include: Elaine and Paul Miller, parents of DUI victim Rodney Miller; Mark and Missy Sweitzer and family members from PA Parents Against Impaired Driving; Tim Barker, chief of policy and research with the York County District Attorney’s Office; Pam Gay, York County coroner; Mark Bentzel, chief of the Northern York County Regional Police Department; state Reps. Kristin Phillips-Hill and Keith Gillespie (barring a late voting session).
November 5, 2016 - We have been told that HB2318 will not be voted out of the House Transportation Committee. The reason given is that there were technical issues with the bill coupled with the fact that the session is ending. We are clearly disappointed with this as PA continues to allow repeat DUI offenders to be treated too leniently which will surely lead to additional lost lives.
September 21, 2016 - State Representative Keith Greiner introduced House Bill 2318, which would increase the grading of repeat DUI offenses to felonies under certain conditions, with heightened fines and longer prison sentences. Currently under state law, no matter how many times an individual has been convicted of DUI the charges are treated as no higher than a first-degree misdemeanor. This legislation would align Pennsylvania with the overwhelming majority of states in grading repeat-DUI offenses as felonies—only Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Maine do not have automatic felony grading. Click here for additional information.
As the remaining time left in this session for passage of additional bills is limited, it is imperative that everyone ask their state senator and state representative to support this bill as well as convey their support to Leadership in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania continues to be one of the most lenient states for DUI laws.
June 8, 2016 - Families from PAPAID met with various senators, representatives and staff to discuss the need to continue focusing on various bills currently in two senate committees, including Judiciary and Transportation. Most of the bills that PAPAID are advocating are in Judiciary. An additional bill about to be introduced by Representative Greiner would create a felony classification for third time DUI convictions. We believe the House may move this bill quickly given its recent actions on several DUI bills and from conversations with various representatives.
We ask that people contact their senators and ask that the Senate Leadership focuses on these bills and pass these bills.
May 24, 2016 - Senate Bill 290 was signed by Governor Wolf today.
This legislation will surely save lives and prevent families from experiencing the heartache of losing a loved one to DUI, that thousands of Pennsylvanians face everyday, including the families of PAPAID.
We appreciate the efforts of all who assisted in having this bill passed and wish to thank Senator Rafferty, Representative Greiner and Senator Smucker for their efforts to make Pennsylvanians safer, as well as the other legislators that took an active role to help move this bill forward. We also wish to thank our communities who attended hearings or called and/or wrote their legislators,the York and Lancaster DA Offices that supported this effort as well as the press throughout the state for covering our story and advocating change. Last but not least,we thank MADD who kept this legislation on the radar for several years along with Senator Rafferty.
May 21, 2016 - Progress continues to be made:
- SB290 has been passed in both the House and Senate. It is awaiting the Governor' signature, which is expected shortly.
- HB1861 was passed in the House and is now in the Senate, along with HB1353.
We are planning a trip to Harrisburg in early June to meet with legislators and discuss the various bills that are currently in the Senate.
April 24, 2016 - Since our last update, the following DUI-related bills have moved forward:
- SB290 is currently scheduled for second consideration on the House floor for the next session day, May 2nd. If the bill promptly moves forward without further amendments, the House should vote for passage on Tuesday May 3rd. It would then go to the Senate for concurrence which is likely given that the bill originated there. So there is a fair chance that this bill could make it to the Governor's desk during May.
- HB1353 was moved out of House Judiciary in late March and was passed in the House during May. The bill is now in the Senate.
- HB1861 was introduced in February by Representative Hahn and would create a tiered penalty system for drivers who operate a vehicle while their license is suspended as a result of a DUI. The bill was just moved out of House Transportation and is awaiting consideration on the House floor. It is encouraging to see how quickly this bill has moved after its introduction earlier this year. This would be a good law that would attack one of the most difficult and dangerous type of DUI drivers, those who continue to drive while on a suspended license without availing themselves of an ignition interlock.
March 22, 2016 - A group of 10 families met with over 28 senators, representative and staff members on our visit to the Capital as well as holding a press conference in the Capital Media Center. The legislators were engaging and many voiced their support for passage of SB290 as well as forthcoming bills in April that address some of the broader DUI issues including penalty and preventative measures. We believe that SB290 should make its way to the House floor with concurrence with the Senate in April. Hopefully the bill will be enacted by the end of April.
Click here to view press conference
March 6, 2016 - We continue to get our message out to the news media around the state as we prepare for our visit to the Capital on March 22nd. We have meetings scheduled with senators and representatives from our districts as well as members from House and Senate Leadership. We also have a scheduled 11:00 AM Press Conference in the Capital Media Center. We currently have 10 families of DUI victims planning to attend. Please contact us if you have lost a child and would like to be a part of this effort.
February 6, 2016 Update - We have moved our "Day on the Hill" visit, from February to March 22nd. At least 7 families have committed to participate. We are scheduling meetings with Representatives and Senators in the districts of the participating families as well as leaders within the parties. A press conference will also be scheduled during the day. We are also scheduling interviews with local news outlets around the state to help get our message out. Please contact us if you have lost a child and would like to be a part of this effort.
February 3, 2016 - Five families who have lost children due to DUI drivers met with Susan Baldrige and Dan Marschka of Lancaster Newspaper to share our stories and to emphasis the need for the House to immediately pass SB290/HB278, which would require convicted first time DUI drivers to use an ignition interlock/breathalyzer as a condition for maintaining driving license. We additionally stressed the need for the PA House and Senate Leadership to focus on creating comprehensive and effective laws this Session that address the DUI problem across Pennsylvania as lives continue to be lost to DUI driving.
January 10, 2016 Update - Per my recent conversations with Representative Greiner and MADD, Senate Bill 290 and House Bill 278 are in the House Transportation Committee. Common belief is that the House has been focused on the budget up to now, but there is a desire/plan to move forward at some point this session. Additionally there may be an attempt by the House to pass other DUI-related legislation at the same time.
September 17, 2015 Update - Senate Bill 290 (interlock) was passed in the Senate today and will now move to the House for consideration. The House also has an identical bill sponsored by Representative Greiner (HB278). I will reach out to House Leadership as well as Representative Greiner to find out the current plan for both the interlock and other potential DUI-related legislation.
In late July, our State Senator, Lloyd Smucker, introduced DUI legislation that would upgrade the penalty for DUI driving, especially dealing with repeat offenders and lowering the bar for Malice, which should have the effect of longer sentences for repeat DUI drivers who kill others while driving impaired.
We would welcome any assistance/support from others in having the House focus on and passing these bills.
Chris Demko
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