House repasses DWI interlock bill after conference amendments

The Minnesota House on May 16 repassed House File 2130 as amended by a conference committee, approving changes to public safety law that extend the length of driver's license revocations for certain offenses and modify provisions of the DWI interlock program.

Representative Kraft (Hennepin), the author on the floor, said the conference committee report was “pretty straightforward,” noting small appropriations adjustments and that the conference adopted the House’s language on most points. She said the committee closed loopholes and clarified provisions dealing with voluntary and involuntary withdrawals from the DWI interlock program, adopting an involuntary approach to close what she characterized as loopholes. Kraft said the bill was prompted by a September tragedy in St. Louis Park and urged a green vote.

Following the committee report explanation, the House approved the conference report. The clerk called the roll on the third reading of the bill as amended by conference; the House recorded 126 ayes and 5 nays and the bill was repassed as amended by the conference committee.

Next steps: The bill returns to the Senate for any further action required by bicameral process; the conference report includes appropriations and technical clarifications to the DWI interlock program.