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St. Louis Park leaders back bill to expand ignition-interlock requirements for repeat DWI offenders
Summary
Representative Kraft introduced House File 2130 to expand ignition-interlock periods for repeat DWI offenders, extend the look-back period for prior convictions and reduce financial barriers to interlock installation. St. Louis Park officials and Methodist Hospital testified in support; the committee re-referred the bill to Public Safety.
Representative Kraft moved House File 2130 to the Committee on Public Safety (re-referral). The bill would make multiple changes to Minnesota’s DWI-related interlock requirements: it would lengthen required ignition-interlock periods for repeat offenders, extend the look-back period for prior DWIs from 10 to 20 years for some provisions, and reorganize statute language for clarity. The bill also removes a practical barrier by allowing offenders to install interlock devices before paying a license reinstatement fee (but requires the fee to be paid before removal of the device).
Kraft framed the bill in the context of two recent deadly impaired-driving incidents in St. Louis Park, including a September 2024 crash at Park Tavern. He said repeat offenders present a disproportionate risk: data cited in his presentation showed higher recidivism for people with multiple prior convictions and cited national research on interlock effectiveness. “Ignition interlocks reduce repeat DWI offenses by about 70% while installed,” Kraft said, citing CDC findings.
Local officials and health-care representatives urged passage. St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohammed said the city “strongly supports HF2130” and described gaps caused by the current 10-year look-back that allow some repeat offenders to avoid extended interlock requirements. Chief Brian Kroll of the St. Louis Park Police Department described multiple recent incidents resulting in deaths and said the bill can help prevent future tragedies by ensuring prior convictions are counted and by making interlock more accessible. Jennifer Meister, president of Methodist Hospital, said the hospital supports the bill and urged lawmakers to act to prevent preventable tragedies.
Committee action: Representative Kraft renewed his motion and HF2130 was re-referred to the Committee on Public Safety.
Why it matters: Supporters said HF2130 targets a known risk group—repeat DWI offenders—and pairs an evidence-based tool (ignition interlocks) with changes to reduce barriers to installation. The bill will be considered by Public Safety committee members next.
