SB64 Summary

• Establishes enhanced penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) violations under Arkansas Code § 5-65-103 when a person drives without a valid driver's license or causes property damage or physical injury to another person.

• For first offense: Creates conditions requiring 7 days to 1 year imprisonment (instead of 24 hours to 1 year) when person lacks valid license, has suspended/revoked license, or causes damage/injury.

• For second through fifth offenses: Increases minimum incarceration periods and public service hours when aggravating factors present (invalid license, damage, or injury), with penalties escalating from misdemeanor to felony classifications.

• For sixth or subsequent offense within 10 years: Elevates offense to Class B felony with 2-10 years imprisonment or public service (3-10 years with aggravating factors).

• Provides affirmative defense that operator was not more than 2 years older than any underage passenger, and allows out-of-state DWI convictions to count as prior offenses for enhancement purposes.