9/14/10-The Law and Justice Interim Committee voted a week ago to approve several proposals that are intended to reduce the number of minors who drink, boost certain penalties for drunken driving and make it easier to prosecute such crimes.
Montana is consistently rated among the worst states in drunken driving statistics. The 2009 death of a state trooper from a drunken driver is expected to spur action on the issue next year at the statehouse.
Among the proposals that will go before lawmakers during the 2011 regular session include efforts to reduce the number of minors who drink, strengthen some penalties for drunken driving and simplify prosecution for the crimes.
Advocates say the changes are a step forward in addressing drunken driving. Other efforts to combat driving while intoxicated are also expected to come up for consideration next year.
One proposal endorsed by the panel would give law enforcement 24-hour access to warrants for obtaining a blood test from people who refuse a breath test. Test refusal denies police key evidence in DUI cases.
Another effort would require minors caught drinking to wait until they are 18 years old to be eligible to obtain a driver’s license.
A training mandate would also be put in place to help make sure that alcohol servers comply with state laws about serving too much alcohol to customers. They would be required to undergo “refresher training” every five years.
The serving issue has taken on significance after the driver who killed Montana Highway Patrol officer Michael Haynes two years ago was allegedly served 13 drinks in less than four hours.
The tougher DUI measures can be considered during the regular session that begins in January 2011.