This morning bills allowing locals to prosecute for "super drunk driving" offenses were reported from the House Judiciary Committee.
In October of 2009 the new "super drunk driving" laws became effective. The law raises the penalty for operating while intoxicated from 93 days to 180 days and the fine from maximum $500-700 if blood alcohol content is .17 or higher.
Municipal attorneys currently do not have authority to prosecute offenses with penalties greater than 93 days.
HBs 4920-4924 would give municipal attorneys the authority to prosecute these offenses. The bills will be taken up on the House floor in the coming weeks.
Samantha Harkins works for the Michigan Municipal League handling municipal services issues. She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at sharkins@mml.org.
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