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Senate approves graduated mandatory minimums for DUI‑related vehicular manslaughter
Summary
Senate Bill 10‑99, which establishes a graduated set of mandatory minimum prison terms when vehicular manslaughter occurs with repeat DUI offenses, passed the Senate 25‑10 after floor debate over judicial discretion and public safety.
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Senate on Feb. 27 passed Senate Bill 10‑99, a measure creating graduated mandatory minimum sentences when vehicular manslaughter occurs in conjunction with prior DUI convictions.
Senator Burns, sponsor of the bill, read a constituent letter describing the death of a loved one in a repeat‑DUI crash and urged colleagues to support measures increasing accountability. The sponsor summarized the bill’s structure on the floor: a judge must issue a warning at first DUI conviction that a later DUI with vehicular manslaughter will carry mandatory minimums; a second‑DUI offender convicted of vehicular manslaughter would face a five‑year mandatory minimum, and a third‑or‑more DUI offender convicted of vehicular manslaughter would face a ten‑year mandatory minimum, as described in the sponsor’s floor comments.
Opponents urged caution. Senator Rudke argued on the floor that “mandatory minimums take discretion away from judges,” urged the body to consider separation‑of‑powers and budgetary costs of longer sentences, and recommended voting against the bill. Supporters said the bill is a measured step to hold repeat DUI offenders accountable and protect public safety.
After debate the roll call showed 25 in favor and 10 opposed; the Senate ordered the bill passed and its title approved for transmittal to the House.
