Dear Neighbor,
Here is an update with the latest news from around the Capitol and community.
DWI Bill
On Thursday, I introduced a bipartisan bill that would strengthen Minnesota’s drunk driving laws and allow for the permanent revocation of a state-issued driver’s license after a fifth drunk driving offense. In 2015, there were 587 felony DWI convictions in Minnesota, with just under half of those being for a fifth or more offense. Minnesota also has one of the highest recidivism rates for repeat drunk driving offenses in the nation according to a 2014 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and approximately 25,000 Minnesotans have five DWIs or more.
There is a point where we have to say ‘enough is enough.” Driving is a privilege and not a right, and for someone who repeatedly puts the lives of other Minnesotans at risk, the state should have the ability to permanently take away a driver’s license.
Twelve other states across the nation have similar laws that allow for a lifetime revocation of a driver’s license. The bill would institute stricter policies in Minnesota, while offering an opportunity for someone to petition the court to have a license reinstated after a ten year period, if they can prove with clear and convincing evidence that they do not pose a risk and have completed court-ordered chemical dependency. That ten year period would begin after the fifth driving offense or after being released from incarceration for a driving offense. That ten year waiting period would start over again if there is a new driving offense with a revoked or canceled license during that time period.
By the time you reach five DWIs, there have been a number of consequences. Four or more DWIs in ten years is a felony, you have paid serious fines, used ignition interlock, lost your car and maybe even served jail time. If you have five or more convictions, the state should not be granting these individuals the privilege of a license. We all want a chance for people to turn their life around and get clean, and the state offers a number of chances along the way.
I am hopeful that strengthening this law will curb the number of drunk drivers in Minnesota and show the serious consequence of putting your fellow motorists at risk.
Stop Over Salting
We are the land of 10,000 lakes and as Minnesotans, we want to protect our water, rivers, lakes and streams. That’s why I introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the Pollution Control Agency (PCA) to support a voluntary certification program for commercial salt applicators, as well as provide liability protection for those who willingly use less salt in the winter.
This is a commonsense proposal that will help local businesses use less salt which is a major pollutant of Minnesota waters, while also protecting them from frivolous lawsuits.
I think it’s a win-win for everyone—for businesses, for our environment and for the Minnesota citizens.
The bill received its first hearing in the Environment Committee last week, and I will advocate for it to keep moving forward and become law this session.
Around the Capitol
My view of Governor Dayton’s State of the State Address on Wednesday. I look forward to continue working with him and fellow lawmakers to pass commonsense policies that benefit Minnesota citizens, taxpayers, families, schools and businesses.
Dropping my bill to strengthen DWI laws in the “hopper” on the House Floor.
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Please know my office is available to you should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I welcome you to contact my office at any time to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas about what you would like to see happen at the Capitol. Your input is invaluable and helps me better represent the voices and priorities of our community. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4363 or by email at Rep.Dario.Anselmo@House.mn.
Sincerely,
Dario
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