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Rep. Kraft’s interlock bill advances after discussion of St. Louis Park crash
Summary
House File 2130, authored by Representative Kraft in response to a September 2024 crash, would lengthen ignition-interlock requirements and expand treatment and look-back periods for repeat DWI offenders; the committee adopted an A3 clarification and recommended the bill for placement on the general register.
The House Ways and Means Committee recommended House File 2130, a DWI-related bill authored by Representative Kraft, for placement on the general register after discussing changes to ignition-interlock requirements, expanded look-back periods for prior offenses, and mandatory treatment for multiple offenses.
"House File 2,130 arises out of a tragedy that happened in my district back in September of 20 24, where Stephen Bailey got behind the wheel of his car with a blood alcohol level of 0.325, more than 4 times the legal limit," Representative Kraft said, describing the impetus for the bill. Kraft said Bailey drove through an outdoor patio at Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, killing two people and injuring nine others, and that Bailey had multiple prior DWI convictions.
Kraft summarized the bill’s main provisions: it increases required interlock time for repeat offenders, extends the look-back period in certain situations from 10 to 20 years for counting offenses, and requires treatment when someone commits multiple offenses. On fiscal effects, Kraft said the bill will require additional administrative work at Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), producing a fiscal note that includes four full-time equivalents funded from the DVS operating account and no general fund impact.
Representative Novotny thanked Kraft and raised concerns about costs to individuals. Representative Kraft said installation costs run "$100 to $200" and monthly fees "$75 to $150 a month," and that reduced fees or county/judicial programs sometimes lower costs for low-income people. Ms. Adrienne, a committee staff member, described the DVS operating account as receiving fees from "vehicle services fees, things like vehicle titles and motor service fuel tax, driver's license training schools" and said she would provide exact figures to members.
Members adopted the A3 amendment, which '''clarifies the appropriation source and prevents double-counting if the provision appears in another bill''', and then the committee recommended House File 2130, as amended, for placement on the general register by voice vote.
Representative Kraft asked that members be provided lists of companies that install interlock devices; Representative Atney requested that list before the bill goes to the floor and Kraft agreed to provide it.
No roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript; the chair called the voice vote and members answered “aye.”
