Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Law‑enforcement warns bill redefining 'actual physical control' could weaken DUI enforcement
Summary
SB 196, which would narrow the definition of 'actual physical control' (excluding being seated in a non‑driver seat or sleeping in a parked vehicle), drew sharp opposition from patrol troopers, county attorneys and police chiefs who said it would impede enforcement and risk more impaired driving; sponsor said an amendment is forthcoming to address concerns.
Senator Trebis opened the hearing on Senate Bill 196, which would redefine the statutory phrase 'actual physical control' and narrow circumstances in which a person can be charged with a DUI. The bill as drafted excluded people seated in any seat but the driver's and described situations (vehicle in park, person asleep or attempting to sleep, vehicle disabled) that sponsors said were not intended to be prosecutable as DUI so long as the person did not drive the vehicle to the location while intoxicated.
Proponents framed the bill as…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
