Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate advances substitute to ease some under‑21 license suspensions, adds treatment path paid by offenders
Summary
First substitute S.B. 28 adjusts driver‑license suspensions for underage alcohol/drug violations, creates reinstatement pathways (paid and completed by the offender), and increases some suspension lengths; senators raised concerns about enhanced refusal penalties for those over 21 and the ETG test.
Senate Bill 28, presented on the floor as a first substitute, modifies driver's license suspension periods and reinstatement conditions for people under 21 charged with alcohol or controlled‑substance offenses.
Sponsor Senator Jenkins said the substitute is a compromise worked out with stakeholders and parents; it creates structured reinstatement pathways that allow courts to reinstate licenses after required program completion. He emphasized the fiscal structure: offenders are financially responsible for screening, assessment and treatment costs.
The substitute includes graduated suspension periods by age and offense (DUI, "not a drop," and test refusal) and clarifies reinstatement criteria. Jenkins noted a typographical error on the handout and corrected a reinstatement timeline during floor explanation.
Senator Dayton asked about who bears program costs; Jenkins said offenders shoulder 100% of program costs, though a small fiscal note addresses administrative costs. Senators voiced support for behavior‑change programs but also cautioned against weakening deterrence. Senator Madsen asked about enhanced penalties for breath‑test refusals by those already over 21; the sponsor pointed to specific language that increases some refusal penalties for arrests on/after July 1, 2011.
The Senate placed the first substitute on the third‑reading calendar and recorded a floor tally (26 yea, 1 nay, 2 absent) placing the substitute at the bottom of the third‑reading calendar.
