Committee advances bill to restrict alcohol access for repeat DUI offenders

Representatives Patrick Plantry and Mitch Whitaker presented House Bill 563 as legislation aimed at reducing deaths and injuries caused by repeat drunk drivers. The bill would apply restrictions beginning at a fourth DUI within 10 years, a level that generally constitutes a felony offense, and would restrict the person’s ability to obtain alcohol for a defined period.

"If you have four offenses within a 10-year period, there's probably an issue there," Representative Patrick Plantry said, describing the proposal as intended both to protect public safety and to encourage offenders to seek treatment.

Representative Mitch Whitaker delivered a personal account of losing his mother to a repeat drunk driver and cited statistics to underscore the risk posed by repeat offenders: "A repeat drunk driver is 4.1 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash," he said.

Members questioned how the restriction would be enforced in retail and delivery contexts, whether retailers would face criminal penalties, and whether visible markings would be placed on licenses. Sponsors said the bill focuses on prohibiting the knowing sale or delivery of alcohol to restricted individuals and that liability would most likely be civil (dram-shop) rather than criminal for retailers. They said the measure does not change carding laws; carding practices remain as under current law.

After questions and comments, the committee recorded 20 yes votes and the committee favorably passed House Bill 563.