Drew Wilson
The Florida Council for Safe Communities said Thursday it will back legislation to increase penalties for suspected drunken drivers who decline sobriety tests.
“Our mission is to make Florida the safest state in the country, especially for our most vulnerable citizens,” council Chairman John Giotis said.
“That’s why we enthusiastically support House Bill 555, Rep. Scott Plakon’s tough drunk driving bill, which would increase the penalties for drivers who refuse to submit to sobriety testing when they are suspected of DUI.”
Under current law, drivers who refuse to take a sobriety test have their license suspended for one year, with subsequent refusals resulting in an 18-month suspension.
HB 555 would make declining a sobriety test a misdemeanor, and would require convicted drivers to install a device on their car ignition to stop them from drinking and driving.
The Senate version of the bill, SB 1244, is sponsored by Altamonte Springs Republican Sen. David Simmons. Neither version of the bill has been heard in committee.
Giotis also said his organization would “aggressively fight” legislation sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes that would expand medical marijuana in Florida and a bill by Doral Republican Rep. Carlos Trujillo that would allow grocery stores to sell liquor.
“House Bill 245 is the same bad alcohol deregulation legislation that was defeated last year,” he said. “It was wrong for Florida then, and it’s wrong now. This bill would significantly increase the potential for minors to obtain alcohol by putting it on store shelves along with everyday items.”
Neither HB 245, nor the medical marijuana bill, SB 852, has been heard in committee.
“We look forward to making our voice heard on these and any legislative developments regarding our other top issues, including human trafficking, identity theft, and bullying,” Giotis said.
