May 08, 2008 03:11 pm
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NASHVILLE – Representative Eric Swafford (R-Pikeville) passed his DUI legislation on the House floor unanimously Monday night. The bill was part of a legislative package lawmakers pushed this year to crack down on DUI offenders. Swafford said he was pleased with the overwhelming support for the legislation, which he believes will save lives.
“The consequences of drunk driving often ruins lives and destroys families. It can be truly devastating. Putting these offenders in front of those who have been affected by actions such as theirs puts a new perspective on it,” stated Swafford.
House Bill 831 specifies that in lieu or in addition to the requirements of a conviction, a judge can order a person convicted of DUI to attend a victim’s impact panel if such a program is offered in the county. Once ordered to attend a victim impact panel, an offender hears stories from those affected by drunk drivers, and whose lives were changed forever by one person’s decision to drive drunk. Additionally, some programs offer law enforcement speakers as well to discuss the impact of the crime.
“We can sentence offenders to community service, or take their license away, but they walk away from their crime without really understanding the impact it might have had on an innocent person’s life,” added Swafford. “Everyone deserves a second chance; but those who learn from the experience are less likely to be repeat offenders.”
The companion bill is scheduled to be considered in the Senate on Tuesday of next week.
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