as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 02:01am
A bill for an act
relating to public safety; establishing a working group to study the feasibility of a
pilot project for a statewide 24/7 sobriety program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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The legislature finds that driving while impaired offenses
and other alcohol- and drug-related offenses continue to pose a serious threat to public
safety. In addition, alcohol- and drug-related crimes increase strain on state and local
funds, including law enforcement expenses, medical costs, treatment costs, court costs,
and the costs of incarceration. While existing punishment and treatment resources are
helpful, the legislature seeks to discover and implement methods to reduce the incidence
of alcohol- and drug-related crime permanently. Innovative approaches to increasing
sobriety among potential offenders must be considered and examined in order to protect
the safety of potential victims, better the lives of offenders who suffer from alcohol or
drug addiction, and thereby increase the safety of the public.
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(a) The commissioner of public safety shall convene a working
group to study, evaluate, and make recommendations about the fiscal and practical
feasibility of creating a pilot project for a statewide 24/7 sobriety program that provides:
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(1) for persons convicted of DWI offenses and other offenses involving alcohol
or controlled substances:
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(i) innovative supervision options;
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(ii) incarceration alternatives; and
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(iii) limited licensing provisions; and
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(2) potential locations for a pilot project sobriety program.
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The working group may evaluate components of the 24/7 sobriety project in South
Dakota including funding sources, implementation challenges and solutions, and technical
resources.
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(b) By January 15, 2010, the commissioner of public safety shall provide a written
report of the working group's findings and recommendations to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions
having jurisdiction over criminal justice policy.
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(c) The working group shall be appointed by the commissioner of public safety
and, at a minimum, shall consist of representatives from law enforcement, probation,
courts, corrections, public safety, county attorneys, public defense, and substance abuse
treatment programs.
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(d) The working group expires on January 15, 2010, or upon submission of the
report required under paragraph (b), whichever is earlier.
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This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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