The Law and Justice Interim Committee of the Montana Legislature is inviting the public to comment on draft legislation aimed at reducing the number of DUI offenses in Montana.
The bipartisan committee is considering whether to introduce the drafts during the 2011 session. They are the product of months of discussion with prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, offenders, treatment providers, advocacy groups, and the general public on the issues surrounding impaired driving.
The preliminary bill drafts are available on the legislative Web site at www.leg.mt.gov/ljic under the “Publications” link. Additional proposals may still be developed.
The committee will consider public comments at its next meeting, which will be June 29-30 beginning at 8 a.m. in Room 137 of the Capitol in Helena.
The 2009 Legislature commissioned the study of DUI laws with enactment of Senate Joint Resolution 39. The interim committee has been studying the issue since last August. It has held several panel discussions on topics ranging from ignition interlock devices to special DUI courts to mandatory addiction treatment.
Members of the Law and Justice Interim Committee are Rep. Shannon Augare (chair), D-Browning; Rep. Bob Ebinger, D-Livingston; Sen. John Esp, R-Big Timber; Sen. Greg Hinkle, R-Thompson Falls; Rep. David Howard, R-Park City; Sen. Larry Jent, D-Bozeman; Sen. Carol Juneau, D-Browning; Rep. Mike Menahan, D-Helena; Sen. Lynda Moss, D-Billings; Rep. Ken Peterson, R-Billings; Sen. Jim Shockley, R-Victor; and Rep. Ron Stoker (vice chair), R-Hamilton.
