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Bill would increase penalties for repeat DUI offenders

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(Harrisburg) — A bill which would increase the penalties for repeat drunk driving offenders in Pennsylvania has been approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. 

Currently a person convicted of killing another person in a drunk driving crash in Pennsylvania is given a 3 year mandatory prison sentence regardless of prior DUI offenses. 

But Senate Transportation Committee Chair John Rafferty says the bill would increase mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of homicide by vehicle while driving drunk. 

“A minimum term of five years in prison, from three years, when found guilty of a felony of the first-degree, if the person has one or two prior convictions,.. and a minumum term of seven years from three years when found guilty of a felony in the first degree, if the person has incurred at least three prior convictions,” Rafferty said.

Supporters say the bill is a step in strengthening PA’s drunk driving laws which some have dubbed the most lenient in the country. 

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