(ST. PAUL, Minn) – The Senate unanimously passed legislation in a vote of 67 to 0, authored by Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) Wednesday reforming Minnesota’s DWI policies. The legislation is in response to the tragic Park Tavern crash that occurred last September in St. Louis Park, and will help prevent repeat offenders from getting behind the wheel.
“A tragedy like the one we saw last September should never happen again in any community in Minnesota. This bill takes meaningful action that will help keep recurring offenders from getting behind the wheel when they’re inebriated,” said Senator Latz. “This proposal will have an immediate, positive impact on our state, and I believe it will help save lives.”
The legislation, SF 2068, updates state law around license revocation and extends the lookback period from ten to 20 years. It changes ignition interlock program participation requirements while making it easier for people to get on this program. It also extends the revocation period for a person who commits criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation, and when the revocation is for a DWI-related offense and the person has a prior incident.
Following Wednesday’s Senate passage, the bill will now move to a conference committee with the House where minor differences will be addressed. The House version of the bill, HF 2130, authored by Representative Larry Kraft was passed last week in a vote of 123 – 5.
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