House passes bill lengthening interlock and revocation rules for repeat DWI offenders

The Minnesota House of Representatives passed House File 2130 on a 123-5 roll-call vote Monday, advancing legislation that increases ignition‑interlock requirements and other penalties for repeat drivers convicted of driving while impaired.

Rep. Kraft, the bill's author, told the chamber the measure was prompted by a fatal crash in St. Louis Park on Sept. 1, 2024. "On the night of 09/01/2024, Stephen Bailey got behind the wheel of his car with a blood alcohol level of 0.325, more than 4 times the legal limit," Kraft said, recounting that the driver struck the outdoor patio at Park Tavern, killing a server and a hospital unit coordinator and injuring others. Kraft said the bill aims to reduce repeat offenses and noted studies showing ignition‑interlock devices dramatically lower reoffending while installed.

The bill changes Minnesota's interlock scheme from a largely linear set of time periods to a steeper escalation for repeat offenders, increases the look‑back period for counting certain prior offenses from 10 to 20 years in some situations, and upgrades the offense of driving without a…