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Senate committee backs bill to extend DWI 'look‑back' from five to ten years
Summary
The Judiciary Committee approved HB 1062 to extend Arkansas' DWI look‑back period from five to ten years, citing cases where prior offenses fell outside the current window; sponsor said the change would align Arkansas with neighboring states.
Senator Hammer presented House Bill 1062 to extend Arkansas' DWI look‑back period from five years to ten years, stating the change would allow courts to account for prior offenses that now fall outside the five‑year window. He cited a Saline County case in which stacked prior DWIs dropped off after five years and a later incident involving injury could not be enhanced using earlier convictions.
Hammer said surrounding states commonly use a ten‑year look‑back (and some use longer or lifetime periods) and argued the change improves accountability for repeat impaired drivers. Committee members asked clarifying questions about how the look‑back interacts with certain non‑driving DWI incidents and employer concerns; the sponsor said those operational questions would be handled by other relevant statutes.
The committee seconded the motion and advanced the bill on a voice vote.
