Appropriations committee advances DUI bill after debate on jail capacity, funding shifts

House Bill 816, a DUI-related bill the sponsor described as aimed at keeping drunk drivers off the road, passed the House Appropriations Committee on a 12-11 roll-call vote after members debated penalties, incarceration logistics and fiscal effects.

Sponsor Representative Nave offered a brief introduction and endorsed the bill as a tool to deter impaired driving. Several committee members said they supported stronger tools to address repeat DUI offenders but raised concerns about local capacity: Representative Powers and others said many rural counties lack local jail beds and presently transport detainees long distances; Representative Walsh said regional jails are often full on weekends.

Representative Matthews questioned whether adding financial penalties and additional statutory measures is the most effective policy, noting the bill’s fiscal note treats some penalties as revenue. Representative Barker and others said existing incarceration costs are already borne by courts and corrections; Representative Nave said the bill only changes how penalties are applied and that judges retain sentencing discretion.

Representative Jones moved a due‑pass motion. The roll‑call recorded 12 yes and 11 no; the committee clerk announced the bill passed out of committee. Several members said they wanted to address broader capacity issues in future legislation, including possible investments in county jail capacity or alternative sentencing options.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 816 — moved due pass by Representative Jones; committee vote 12 yes, 11 no; outcome: passed out of committee.