HF 2309

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:

Section 1. new text begin 24/7 SOBRIETY PROJECT WORKING GROUP.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Findings. new text end

new text begin 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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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Study. new text end

new text begin (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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new text begin (1) for persons convicted of DWI offenses and other offenses involving alcohol
or controlled substances:
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new text begin (i) innovative supervision options;
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new text begin (ii) incarceration alternatives; and
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new text begin (iii) limited licensing provisions; and
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new text begin (2) potential locations for a pilot project sobriety program.
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new text begin 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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new text begin (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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new text begin (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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new text begin (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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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end