ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. — In response to a tragic crash that claimed two lives last year, Minnesota lawmakers are taking steps to toughen regulations for repeat drunk drivers. The legislative effort aims to implement stronger measures, including the mandatory use of ignition interlock devices for individuals with a history of driving under the influence.
The devastating incident occurred during Labor Day weekend in 2024, when Steven Frane Bailey, a 56-year-old resident of St. Louis Park, crashed his vehicle into the patio of Park Tavern. The collision resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, as Bailey, who had previously faced several DUI convictions, accelerated through a fence at around 40 mph, smashing into occupied tables. Authorities reported his blood-alcohol content at 0.335%, significantly over the legal limit of 0.08%.
Bailey, who has a history of five DUI convictions dating from 1985 to 2015, pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree murder and three counts of criminal vehicular operation. His plea agreement stipulates a prison sentence of 25 to 30 years.
Under current Minnesota law, ignition interlocks are required only for individuals whose driving privileges have been revoked due to alcohol-related offenses within a specific timeframe. However, since Bailey’s convictions spanned over three decades, he was not mandated to have such a device installed in his vehicle.
Senator Ron Latz, a DFL representative from St. Louis Park and the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the urgent need for legislative changes to better regulate repeat offenders. “This incident has prompted us to seek necessary improvements to the laws surrounding driving while intoxicated to prevent future tragedies,” he stated.
The proposed legislation seeks to extend the lookback period for DUI convictions from ten to twenty years, thereby allowing authorities to impose stricter penalties on repeat offenders. Additionally, the new measures would connect the duration of required ignition interlock device use directly to an individual’s total number of DUI offenses. Currently, the maximum time someone must have an ignition interlock installed is six years if they have four or more offenses over their lifetime. The new bill proposes a ten-year minimum for anyone with three or more convictions.
To further facilitate compliance, the bill aims to eliminate financial obstacles by allowing individuals to pay the $680 reinstatement fee progressively while participating in the ignition interlock program. It also increases penalties for those who drive without an interlock device when required and mandates that individuals complete addiction treatment before they can exit the program.
Recently, the Senate passed a revised version of the bill after addressing some amendments, including one from Senator Bobby Joe Champion of Minneapolis. This amendment aims to protect individuals in the interlock program who may lose their vehicles for financial reasons, ensuring they can remain enrolled.
The House has also approved its version of the legislation, which Representative Larry Kraft champions. Both legislative chambers will need to resolve minor discrepancies between their proposals before sending a final version to Governor Tim Walz for approval.
This legislative push reflects a growing commitment to preventing further tragedies stemming from impaired driving, focusing on safeguarding communities across Minnesota.
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