South Dakota legislators approved consolidatation of drunken boating and snowmobiling laws with the state’s drunken driving laws. The legislators moved ahead despite warning that the consolidation will affect driving privileges and auto insurance.
HB1120 is designed to simplify state intoxication laws by merging them into one chapter of the state criminal code, according to Rep. Tom Hennies, R-Rapid City. The state Criminal Code Revision Commission recommended the change as part of a major study of criminal laws two years ago, he said.
A lobbyist for Gov. Mike Rounds said the legislation will have unintended consequences.
As the state law is presently written there is no impact on the driver’s license if someone is boating or snowmobiling while intoxicated. The law now requires intoxicated drivers to lose their licenses for a minimum of 30 days for the first offense, a year for the second and subsequent offenses. Opponents say if this bill passes that will change and the new law would impact your car insurance.
Members of the House Judiciary Committee were surprised by the governor’s opposition, but they passed HB1120 on to the full House with an 8-2 vote. Legislators said the measure can be amended as it moves through the Capitol.
The governor does not believe in lenience for people who are intoxicated while driving boats or snowmobiles, but current law already provides penalties for those infractions, the lobbyist explained.
Source: Associated Press
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