HB 15-1043 Summary

• Makes DUI, DUI per se, and driving while ability impaired (DWAI) a Class 4 felony if the violation occurred after three or more prior convictions for DUI-related offenses or vehicular homicide/assault, arising from separate criminal episodes.

• Requires courts to consider all relevant factors before sentencing repeat DUI offenders to the Department of Corrections and determine that incarceration is the most suitable option given facts, circumstances, and defendant's willingness to participate in treatment.

• Repeals the separate offense of aggravated driving with a revoked license and reclassifies it from a Class 6 felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum of 60 days county jail.

• Expands ignition interlock device requirements for persons with multiple DUI convictions, requiring 2-5 years of restricted licensing with interlock devices following reinstatement of driving privileges.

• Appropriates $1,272,133 for the 2015-16 fiscal year to the judicial department for implementation, and makes multi-year appropriations through 2019-20 for Department of Corrections costs.