Anina Story and the Bill Against DUI’s By Randi Lewis

Bill 296, located on page 200 of your bill book and written by Anina Story, is a bill that just might save lives. In this document it states that currently all people with four or more DUI’s are subject to jail time or a fi ne between 1,000 and 10,000 dollars. However, if they pay this fi ne the jail time becomes obsolete. During the discussion, opponent Sam Zetler stated some very good points. In support of the bill, she said things like “residential alcohol treatment centers are not available in most areas in Montana and the watch program has a constant waiting list.” This, therefore, causes there to be little ability to get over the addiction to alcohol that many multiple DUI holders have. In conclusion to her fi rst point, Sam said, “jail time is the only viable current option.” She stated that “most multiple DUI offenders are indigent or do not pay anyways, so the fi ne is obsolete.” Also heard in room 157A during this meeting was the statement “repeat
offenders are the most dangerous on the road.” An amendment to this amendment was created and passed during discussion to lower the number of DUI’s needed for jail time from four to two, therefore stopping the need for two more to occur which, in all reality, could mean two more deaths or accidents. A question was raised that asked “What about minors with DUI’s?” Anina Story responded with a quick “The same thing. They deserve punishment in some sort of detention facility.”
After further discussion and validation of the amendment now with its amendment, Bill 296: An act to amend section 61-8-731 to require a mandatory sentence for multiple DUI offenders to no less than 13 months in State Prison, now stating that anyone with more then one offence will be subject to no less then 13 months and no more then 5 years in jail, was passed.