The Legislature continued its efforts to clamp down on people who drink and drive or drink and operate watercraft with new laws meant to curb the dangerous activity.

The bill, sponsored by House Speaker Jim Weiers working with Sen. Linda Gray, closes a loophole in state law, mandating the Motor Vehicles Division to suspend the driver license for 90 days of someone that causes a death while driving a car legally intoxicated. Currently, MVD does not undertake this practice.

HB2395 resolves a conflict in current state law regarding the amount of jail time a person must serve for drinking while extremely intoxicated. Under the measure, people convicted of extreme DUI must serve the full 30-day sentence.

And to provide incentives for good behavior for people convicted of first-time, non-extreme DUI, the bill reduces to six months the need for an interlock device. Only those who submit to alcohol screening, successfully complete alcohol treatment programs and use the interlock device properly in the six months can reduce the penalty. The bill increases the need for an interlock device on those convicted of aggravated DUI.

“Fixing the defect in state law that proved confusing and ensuring people serve the full 30 days in jail was a top priority this year,” Weiers said. “Changing behavior by encouraging people to stop drinking and driving I hope is the legacy of this legislation.”

In addition to the motor vehicle elements, the bill increases penalties for operating motor boats while drunk.

 “Operating a boat is just as dangerous as operating a car and neither should be done after someone has been drinking.” Weiers said.