DUI-related provisions revised

Senators passed a bill May 24 that revises provisions related to driving under the influence (DUI).

LB667, introduced by Norfolk Sen. Mike Flood, will:
• create a new offense of motor vehicle homicide of an unborn child;
• make motor vehicle homicide and DUI-serious bodily injury separate crimes from DUI;
• increase the 12-year look-back limitation to 15 years in the DUI enhancement statutes;
• create penalties regarding boating while under the influence;
• create the enhanced punishment of a Class III-A felony and a minimum of 30 days imprisonment for procuring when it proximately causes serious bodily injury or death;
• revise the administrative license revocation (ALR) process and make ignition interlock devices a condition of bond;
• make ignition interlock devices mandatory for first and second DUI offenses; and
• create penalties for tampering with an ignition interlock device if it is required under ALR.

Under the bill, a person who is driving under an ignition interlock permit and has no prior DUI convictions can operate a vehicle only for purposes of employment, education, substance abuse treatment, parole or probation supervision, health care for themselves or their dependents, court-ordered community service obligations and ignition interlock servicing.

The bill passed on a 46-0 vote.