The penalties for multiple DUI in Florida may be changing in the very near future thanks to an unusual conglomerate of people you would think would be on opposite sides of Florida DUI penalties. A four-time DUI convict, a lobbyist, MADD and some members of the Florida Legislature all seem to be on the same page and set to pass a bill that includes an attached bill allowing a person in Florida convicted of a fourth DUI to get their license back.
The bill got its start when the family of a four-time DUI convict hired a lobbyist to change Florida’s DUI laws. They were hoping to re-write Florida’s DUI penalties and allow the man to regain his driving privileges. The lobbyist did a great job by not only getting the bill passed but also inserted into another bill that 10Connects.com has labeled as almost veto-proof.
The fascinating part of the story is the fact that MADD has come out in support of the bill. The story on the 10Connects website reports that MADD will neither confirm nor deny it received contributions from those who were working to get the bill passed. MADD stands by its support for the bill saying that the group would rather have breathalyzers installed in vehicles of habitual offenders rather than a license ban. The organization believes habitual offenders drive with or without a license so getting a interlock ignition device in a DUI driver’s car is a better solution to the problem.
One state senator does not agree with MADD. Mike Fasano believes the bill is doing nothing but helping people who have multiple convictions for drunk driving to get back out on the road. On top of that he is also angry that it was inserted into a very important transportation bill that is sure to pass and be signed into law. He believes you don’t re-write a law based solely on the fact that people are breaking that law.
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