SCS/SBs 42 & 94 - This act increases restrictions against alcohol-related offenses, mainly with regard to minors and traffic offenses.

LOW TOLERANCE FOR MINORS - Persons under the age of 21 commit a crime if they drive with 0.02% or greater blood alcohol content (BAC). The offense is a Class C misdemeanor. A conviction shall result in points being applied against the driver's license, and an administrative suspension or revocation may also be assessed by the Department of Revenue.

CRIMINAL PROCEDURES - A charge against a minor for driving with 0.02% BAC may not be combined with a charge for driving with excessive BAC. Arrests for DWI by officers not at the crime scene may be made later than 1.5 hours after the crime.

OTHER ALCOHOL RESTRICTIONS - Any person under age 21 consuming intoxicating liquor or nonintoxicating beer is guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person whose driver's license is revoked for failing to submit to a chemical test shall complete an education/rehabilitation program before reinstatement and shall pay an extra $60, which shall be deposited in the Mental Health Earnings Fund. Any person found guilty of consuming alcohol while operating a motor vehicle shall have a record with the Department of Revenue.

CRIMINAL RECORDS - All DWI violations shall be reported to the State Criminal Records Central Repository (including first violations). The Department of Revenue shall no longer send alcohol education/rehabilitation program results to the Highway Patrol.

TREATMENT PROGRAMS - No one who has had his license revoked or suspended shall have that license reinstated until the person successfully completes a Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program.
JAMES KLAHR