Lawmakers face long list of DUI proposals

Lawmakers face long list of DUI proposals

MATT GOURAS, Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Lawmakers scheduled to look at long list of DUI proposals this week were told that juveniles that kill while driving drunk in some cases need to be tried as adults.

Rep. Janna Taylor of Dayton told the House Judiciary Committee Monday that her house Bill 18 would let prosecutors try juveniles as adults for vehicular homicide while under the influence.

She said prosecutors are currently getting around the problem by trying extreme cases where drunk minors kill others in a crash with a reduced crime of negligent homicide.

Later in the week, both House and Senate judiciary committees will meet together for two days to look over about 20 bills that aim to crack down on drunk driving. The measures stiffen some penalties, make it easier for authorities prosecuting the crimes, and take other actions.

HELENA — Lawmakers scheduled to look at long list of DUI proposals this week were told that juveniles that kill while driving drunk in some cases need to be tried as adults.

Rep. Janna Taylor of Dayton told the House Judiciary Committee Monday that her house Bill 18 would let prosecutors try juveniles as adults for vehicular homicide while under the influence.

She said prosecutors are currently getting around the problem by trying extreme cases where drunk minors kill others in a crash with a reduced crime of negligent homicide.

Later in the week, both House and Senate judiciary committees will meet together for two days to look over about 20 bills that aim to crack down on drunk driving. The measures stiffen some penalties, make it easier for authorities prosecuting the crimes, and take other actions.