IN SB0251

Increases mandatory minimum imprisonment for repeat OWI offenders: 10 days for one prior conviction (up from 5 days) and 20 days for two or more prior convictions (up from 10 days), with community service as an alternative

Expands the definition of "vehicle" for OWI purposes to include watercraft, and repeals the separate crime of operating a motorboat while intoxicated (IC 35-46-9)

Makes pretrial administrative suspension of driving privileges discretionary with the court rather than mandatory, and allows initial hearings to be waived for misdemeanor OWI charges

Authorizes roadside chemical tests for detecting controlled substances in addition to portable breath tests, and allows ignition interlock devices only for alcohol-related OWI offenses

Requires the budget director to determine by December 31, 2026, whether changes to administrative suspension provisions will reduce Federal Highway Administration funding, with implementation contingent on budget committee review