SC State Senator Dick Harpootlian Introduces Bill for Stricter DUI Penalties

SC State Senator Dick Harpootlian Introduces Bill Proposing Harsher Penalties for Multiple DUI Offenders

COLUMBIA, S.C.

In an effort to curb the escalating number of Driving-Under-The-Influence (DUI) incidents in South Carolina, State Senator Dick Harpootlian introduced a bipartisan bill, S. 1157, which calls for stricter penalties for repeat DUI offenders. Harpootlian announced the proposal in a press conference Thursday morning, accompanied by representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), and the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

A Crisis in South Carolina

Harpootlian expressed concern over the frequency of DUI incidents in the state, citing South Carolina’s position among the top ten states with the highest drunk driving fatality rates in the country. “Keeping our communities safe is paramount,” said Senator Harpootlian. He further illuminated the issue by revealing that since 2020, nearly 2,000 multiple DUI offenders have taken plea deals to reduce their sentences, some of whom had severely injured unsuspecting drivers.

The New Bill

The proposed bill seeks to address this concern by preventing plea deals and imposing more severe punishments on individuals guilt of repeat DUI offences. Harpootlian stated, “South Carolina should not be allowing individuals who have committed multiple DUIs to go home without help or being held appropriately accountable.”

Building a Safer South Carolina

The enactment of this bill would stand as a substantial stride towards creating safer communities in South Carolina, deterring potential drunk drivers while effectively dealing with repeat offenders. Furthermore, the proposed harsher penalties align with Senator Harpootlian’s emphasized role of accountability, driving home the point that DUI offenders must face the consequences of their actions, both for their safety and that of others.

Next Steps

Now that the bill has been introduced, it needs to go through several stages, including committee review and amendments, before it can be approved by both houses and become law. Only then could the harsher penalties for multiple DUI offenders take effect.

Stay updated on progress with bill S. 1157 and subscribe to our email newsletter for more free content like this.

To share any feedback or suggestions that can help us improve, click here.

Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.


HERE Myrtle Beach

Recent Posts

Parole Denied for Susan Smith, Mother Convicted of Drowning Her Sons in 1994

Columbia, South Carolina: Parole Denied for Susan Smith On November 20, 2023, Susan Smith, the…

13 hours ago

Duke Energy Appoints Tim Pearson as New South Carolina State President Amid Leadership Changes

Greenville, S.C. – Duke Energy Appoints New South Carolina State President On November 1, 2023,…

16 hours ago

Florida Atlantic and Oklahoma State Set for High-Stakes College Basketball Showdown in Charleston

Florida Atlantic to Face Oklahoma State in Charleston Showdown CHARLESTON, South Carolina – Florida Atlantic…

16 hours ago

Scout Motors Launches First Electric Vehicles at $2 Billion Assembly Plant in South Carolina

COLUMBIA — Scout Motors Unveils First Electric Vehicles in South Carolina On Friday, November 15,…

16 hours ago

Emus Escape in South Carolina Amid Ongoing Animal Search

Emus Escape in South Carolina Amid Ongoing Animal Search Beaufort County, SC Two large emus…

16 hours ago