Committee lays over bill that would let authorities suspend driver licenses at vehicular homicide charge

Senate File 1373, introduced Feb. 23 in the Senate Transportation Committee, would permit a licensing suspension at the time of a criminal vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation charge when probable cause exists, rather than limiting such suspensions to incidents involving drugs or alcohol.

Sponsor Senator Limmer framed the bill as a response to a tragic local crash in which a driver traveling at a high rate of speed killed a family member. Family members who testified described the aftermath and urged stiffer immediate restrictions. Mark Rowe recounted that his mother-in-law was struck in Plymouth “going 90 miles an hour in a 45 zone,” and Matt Whelan described seeing the convicted driver later driving in the neighborhood. Both urged the legislature to ensure that the vehicle—the “weapon” in their words—is removed once the offense is charged.

Legislative fiscal staff reported the bill’s fiscal note as de minimis: current materials show no significant state fiscal impact, with a DPS form update estimated at roughly $4,000 charged to a special revenue fund. Committee members asked whether suspension time during the charge period would be credited against later revocation periods; Senator Limmer confirmed the bill does not allow suspension time to be counted toward the subsequent revocation—meaning the revocation would be imposed in addition to the interim suspension.

After questioning, the committee laid SF1373 on the table for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill (transportation or judiciary), noting the other body is moving the proposal and that the sponsor and committee leadership will coordinate next steps.