HELENA, Mont. — Tragedy struck the community of Columbia Falls last March when Robert “Bobby” Dewbre, a local resident, was fatally injured by a drunk driver while crossing the street. The incident, which resulted in the driver being sentenced to the maximum allowable 18 months on misdemeanor charges due to limitations under current state law, has fueled significant legislative advocacy efforts.
Bobby’s mother, Beth McBride, fueled by the current legal limitations, spearheaded a grassroots movement calling for tougher DUI laws in Montana. As the executive director of the nonprofit Montana Bar Fairies, McBride and her team promote responsible drinking by rewarding individuals who choose sober transportation options with gift cards left on their vehicles parked overnight at bars.
This week, advocates for stronger legislation, including McBride and her supporters, testified in favor of House Bill 267. The bill, championed by State Rep. Braxton Mitchel and backed by a cohort of 13 legislators, proposes to establish the crime of aggravated vehicular homicide under the influence, which could significantly stiffen penalties for DUI-related offenses.
Montana’s DUI laws could see substantial changes should HB 267 pass, which aims to impose sentences ranging from three to 30 years and fines between $10,000 and $50,000. Crucially, the bill seeks to adjust prosecutorial requirements, shifting from needing to prove negligence to proving an aggravated DUI based on a blood alcohol level of 0.16% or higher.
Support for the bill has been widespread, drawing backing from not just individuals and families affected by drunk driving but also from the Association of Montana State Troopers and Flathead County Attorney Travis Ahner. With no opposition to the bill recorded, it is primed for amendments that include setting a minimum three-year imprisonment for convictions under the new statute.
Rick Latta, a stepfather of another victim of drunk driving, emphasized the importance of the legislative changes: “This is not about achieving complete closure, which is impossible due to the nature of their loss, but rather about providing a means for accountability and justice.”
Sheriff Brian Heino of Flathead County also voiced his support, highlighting the value of the legislation in bringing about accountability for those whose actions have devastating impacts on families and the community.
As HB 267 advances potentially to the House floor this week, McBride remains committed to this cause but has expressed that her current focus with the Montana Bar Fairies remains narrowly on this bill during the ongoing legislative session.
While the Montana Bar Fairies continues to receive wide support and inquiries about tackling additional legislative changes related to DUI laws, McBride notes the demanding nature of their advocacy alongside their personal and professional responsibilities. She hinted at the possibility of revisiting further legislative initiatives in future sessions depending on the community’s needs and their organizational capacity.
For more information on the initiatives and outreach of the Montana Bar Fairies, which operates across the Flathead and Gallatin valleys and aims for further expansion, interested parties are encouraged to visit their official website.
Disclaimer: This article was automatically generated by OpenAI. The people, facts, circumstances, and story reported may be inaccurate. Requests for removals, retractions, or corrections can be sent to [email protected].