On April 11 the House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry) that strengthens the penalties for drunken, impaired and reckless driving offenses.

The first bill (2024-H 7630) would provide for a single, increased range of penalties for all driving offenses that result in serious bodily injury or death, and allows for the permanent revocation of licenses.

The second bill (2024-H 7631) would extend the “lookback” period for repeat offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and for repeat offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests under from five to 10 years.

“Every year we are faced with more senseless tragedy as our residents continue to get hurt, maimed or killed in accidents caused by driving under the influence,” said Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry). “Too many of our children, our family members, friends and neighbors have been taken away from us too early due to the criminal actions of those who get behind a wheel while drunk or high.  These bills will send a stiff message that this selfish and destructive behavior will be met with severe consequences, hopefully sparing more families from living with the heartbreaking reality of losing a loved one to a drunk driver.”

The measures now move to the Senate, where Sen. David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Providence, Lincoln) has introduced companion legislation (2024-S 2024) to the first bill and Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich) has introduced companion legislation (2024-S 2023) to the second bill.