FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 972

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY


 

 

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES DEEKEN (Sponsor), SCHNEIDER, PAGE AND MOORE (Co-sponsors).

                  Read 1st time February 26, 2007 and copies ordered printed.

D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk

2154L.01I


 

AN ACT

To repeal sections 302.060, 302.309, and 577.600, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof three new sections relating to ignition interlock restricted driver's licenses, with penalty provisions.




Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:


            Section A. Sections 302.060, 302.309, and 577.600, RSMo, are repealed and three new sections enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as sections 302.060, 302.309, and 577.600, to read as follows:

            302.060. The director shall not issue any license and shall immediately deny any driving privilege:

            (1) To any person who is under the age of eighteen years, if such person operates a motor vehicle in the transportation of persons or property as classified in section 302.015;

            (2) To any person who is under the age of sixteen years, except as hereinafter provided;

            (3) To any person whose license has been suspended, during such suspension, or to any person whose license has been revoked, until the expiration of one year after such license was revoked;

            (4) To any person who is an habitual drunkard or is addicted to the use of narcotic drugs;

            (5) To any person who has previously been adjudged to be incapacitated and who at the time of application has not been restored to partial capacity;

            (6) To any person who, when required by this law to take an examination, has failed to pass such examination;

            (7) To any person who has an unsatisfied judgment against such person, as defined in chapter 303, RSMo, until such judgment has been satisfied or the financial responsibility of such person, as defined in section [303.120] 303.020, RSMo, has been established;

            (8) To any person whose application shows that the person has been convicted within one year prior to such application of violating the laws of this state relating to failure to stop after an accident and to disclose the person's identity or driving a motor vehicle without the owner's consent;

            (9) To any person who has been convicted more than twice of violating state law, or a county or municipal ordinance where the defendant was represented by or waived the right to an attorney in writing, relating to driving while intoxicated; except that[,] :

            (a) After the expiration of ten years from the date of conviction of the last offense of violating such law or ordinance relating to driving while intoxicated, a person who was so convicted may petition the circuit court of the county in which such last conviction was rendered and the court shall review the person's habits and conduct since such conviction. If the court finds that the petitioner has not been convicted of any offense related to alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs during the preceding ten years and that the petitioner's habits and conduct show such petitioner to no longer pose a threat to the public safety of this state, the court may order the director to issue a license to the petitioner if the petitioner is otherwise qualified pursuant to the provisions of sections 302.010 to 302.540. No person may obtain a license pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision through court action more than one time;

            (b) After the successful completion of a DUI Treatment and Monitoring Court program operated in accordance with the National Association of Drug Court Professional's Ten Guiding Principles, or after the driver maintains sobriety as demonstrated through continuous alcohol monitoring or twice daily breath testing, an ignition interlock restricted license, as defined in section 577.600, RSMo, may be issued for twelve months. During the twelve-month period, all vehicles driven by the person must be equipped with an ignition interlock device. If, during the twelve-month period the ignition interlock device has not prevented operation of the vehicle due to excessive breath alcohol concentration and the interlock records show no attempts to tamper with or circumvent the ignition interlock device as defined in section 577.612, RSMo, a license may be reinstated. If there have been attempts to operate the vehicle with excessive breath alcohol concentration, the ignition interlock restricted license will be continued until twelve consecutive months without attempts to operate the vehicle with excessive breath alcohol concentration have been achieved.

            (10) To any person who has been convicted twice within a five-year period of violating state law, or a county or municipal ordinance where the defendant was represented by or waived the right to an attorney in writing, of driving while intoxicated, or who has been convicted of the crime of involuntary manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition. The director shall not issue a license to such person for five years from the date such person was convicted for involuntary manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition or for driving while intoxicated for the second time. Any person who has been denied a license for two convictions of driving while intoxicated prior to July 27, 1989, shall have the person's license issued, upon application, unless the two convictions occurred within a five-year period, in which case, no license shall be issued to the person for five years from the date of the second conviction;

            (11) To any person who is otherwise disqualified pursuant to the provisions of sections 302.010 to 302.780, chapter 303, RSMo, or section 544.046, RSMo;

            (12) To any person who is under the age of eighteen years, if such person's parents or legal guardians file a certified document with the department of revenue stating that the director shall not issue such person a driver's license. Each document filed by the person's parents or legal guardians shall be made upon a form furnished by the director and shall include identifying information of the person for whom the parents or legal guardians are denying the driver's license. The document shall also contain identifying information of the person's parents or legal guardians. The document shall be certified by the parents or legal guardians to be true and correct. This provision shall not apply to any person who is legally emancipated. The parents or legal guardians may later file an additional document with the department of revenue which reinstates the person's ability to receive a driver's license.

            302.309. 1. Whenever any license is suspended pursuant to sections 302.302 to 302.309, the director of revenue shall return the license to the operator immediately upon the termination of the period of suspension and upon compliance with the requirements of chapter 303, RSMo.

            2. Any operator whose license is revoked pursuant to these sections, upon the termination of the period of revocation, shall apply for a new license in the manner prescribed by law.

            3. (1) All circuit courts or the director of revenue shall have jurisdiction to hear applications and make eligibility determinations granting limited driving privileges. Any application may be made in writing to the director of revenue and the person's reasons for requesting the limited driving privilege shall be made therein.

            (2) When any court of record having jurisdiction or the director of revenue finds that an operator is required to operate a motor vehicle in connection with any of the following:

            (a) A business, occupation, or employment;

            (b) Seeking medical treatment for such operator;

            (c) Attending school or other institution of higher education;

            (d) Attending alcohol or drug treatment programs; or

            (e) Any other circumstance the court or director finds would create an undue hardship on the operator;

 

the court or director may grant such limited driving privilege as the circumstances of the case justify if the court or director finds undue hardship would result to the individual, and while so operating a motor vehicle within the restrictions and limitations of the limited driving privilege the driver shall not be guilty of operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.

            (3) An operator may make application to the proper court in the county in which such operator resides or in the county in which is located the operator's principal place of business or employment. Any application for a limited driving privilege made to a circuit court shall name the director as a party defendant and shall be served upon the director prior to the grant of any limited privilege, and shall be accompanied by a copy of the applicant's driving record as certified by the director. Any applicant for a limited driving privilege shall have on file with the department of revenue proof of financial responsibility as required by chapter 303, RSMo. Any application by a person who transports persons or property as classified in section 302.015 may be accompanied by proof of financial responsibility as required by chapter 303, RSMo, but if proof of financial responsibility does not accompany the application, or if the applicant does not have on file with the department of revenue proof of financial responsibility, the court or the director has discretion to grant the limited driving privilege to the person solely for the purpose of operating a vehicle whose owner has complied with chapter 303, RSMo, for that vehicle, and the limited driving privilege must state such restriction. When operating such vehicle under such restriction the person shall carry proof that the owner has complied with chapter 303, RSMo, for that vehicle.

            (4) The court order or the director's grant of the limited driving privilege shall indicate the termination date of the privilege, which shall be not later than the end of the period of suspension or revocation. A copy of any court order shall be sent by the clerk of the court to the director, and a copy shall be given to the driver which shall be carried by the driver whenever such driver operates a motor vehicle. The director of revenue upon granting a limited driving privilege shall give a copy of the limited driving privilege to the applicant. The applicant shall carry a copy of the limited driving privilege while operating a motor vehicle. A conviction which results in the assessment of points pursuant to section 302.302, other than a violation of a municipal stop sign ordinance where no accident is involved, against a driver who is operating a vehicle pursuant to a limited driving privilege terminates the privilege, as of the date the points are assessed to the person's driving record. If the date of arrest is prior to the issuance of the limited driving privilege, the privilege shall not be terminated. The director shall notify by ordinary mail the driver whose privilege is so terminated.

            (5) Except as provided in subdivision (7) of this subsection, no person is eligible to receive a limited driving privilege who at the time of application for a limited driving privilege has previously been granted such a privilege within the immediately preceding five years, or whose license has been suspended or revoked for the following reasons:

            (a) A conviction of violating the provisions of section 577.010 or 577.012, RSMo, or any similar provision of any federal or state law, or a municipal or county law where the judge in such case was an attorney and the defendant was represented by or waived the right to an attorney in writing, until the person has completed the first thirty days of a suspension or revocation imposed pursuant to this chapter;

            (b) A conviction of any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle was used;

            (c) Ineligibility for a license because of the provisions of subdivision (1), (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10) or (11) of section 302.060;

            (d) Because of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of narcotic drugs, a controlled substance as defined in chapter 195, RSMo, or having left the scene of an accident as provided in section 577.060, RSMo;

            (e) Due to a revocation for the first time for failure to submit to a chemical test pursuant to section 577.041, RSMo, or due to a refusal to submit to a chemical test in any other state, if such person has not completed the first ninety days of such revocation;

            (f) Violation more than once of the provisions of section 577.041, RSMo, or a similar implied consent law of any other state; or

            (g) Due to a suspension pursuant to subsection 2 of section 302.525 and who has not completed the first thirty days of such suspension, provided the person is not otherwise ineligible for a limited driving privilege; or due to a revocation pursuant to subsection 2 of section 302.525 if such person has not completed such revocation.

            (6) No person who possesses a commercial driver's license shall receive a limited driving privilege issued for the purpose of operating a commercial motor vehicle if such person's driving privilege is suspended, revoked, canceled, denied, or disqualified. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the issuance of a limited driving privilege for the purpose of operating a noncommercial motor vehicle provided that pursuant to the provisions of this section, the applicant is not otherwise ineligible for a limited driving privilege.

            (7) (a) Provided that pursuant to the provisions of this section, the applicant is not otherwise ineligible for a limited driving privilege, a circuit court or the director may, in the manner prescribed in this subsection, allow a person who has had such person's license to operate a motor vehicle revoked where that person cannot obtain a new license for a period of ten years, as prescribed in subdivision (9) of section 302.060, to apply for a limited driving privilege pursuant to this subsection if such person has [served at least three years of such disqualification or revocation. Such person shall present evidence satisfactory to the court or the director that such person has not been convicted of any offense related to alcohol, controlled substances or drugs during the preceding three years and that the person's habits and conduct show that the person no longer poses a threat to the public safety of this state] , successfully completed a DUI Treatment and Monitoring Court program operated in accordance with the National Association of Drug Court Professional's Ten Guiding Principles, as defined in paragraph (b) of subdivision (9) of section 302.060, or the driver maintains sobriety as demonstrated through continuous alcohol monitoring or twice daily alcohol testing and has had twelve months of an ignition interlock restricted license where the device has not prevented operation of the vehicle due to excessive breath alcohol concentration and the interlock records show no attempts to tamper with or circumvent the ignition interlock device as defined in section 577.612, RSMo.

            (b) Provided that pursuant to the provisions of this section, the applicant is not otherwise ineligible for a limited driving privilege or convicted of involuntary manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition, a circuit court or the director may, in the manner prescribed in this subsection, allow a person who has had such person's license to operate a motor vehicle revoked where that person cannot obtain a new license for a period of five years because of two convictions of driving while intoxicated, as prescribed in subdivision (10) of section 302.060, to apply for a limited driving privilege pursuant to this subsection if such person has served at least two years of such disqualification or revocation. Such person shall present evidence satisfactory to the court or the director that such person has not been convicted of any offense related to alcohol, controlled substances or drugs during the preceding two years and that the person's habits and conduct show that the person no longer poses a threat to the public safety of this state. Any person who is denied a license permanently in this state because of an alcohol-related conviction subsequent to a restoration of such person's driving privileges pursuant to subdivision (9) of section 302.060 shall not be eligible for limited driving privilege pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision.

            4. Any person who has received notice of denial of a request of limited driving privilege by the director of revenue may make a request for a review of the director's determination in the circuit court of the county in which the person resides or the county in which is located the person's principal place of business or employment within thirty days of the date of mailing of the notice of denial. Such review shall be based upon the records of the department of revenue and other competent evidence and shall be limited to a review of whether the applicant was statutorily entitled to the limited driving privilege.

            5. The director of revenue shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This section and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2001, shall be invalid and void.

            577.600. 1. In addition to any other provisions of law, a court may require that any person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty to a first intoxication-related traffic offense, as defined in section 577.023, and a court shall require that any person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty to a second or subsequent intoxication-related traffic offense, as defined in section 577.023, shall not operate any motor vehicle unless that vehicle is equipped with a functioning, certified ignition interlock device for a period of not less than one month from the date of reinstatement of the person's driver's license. In addition, any court authorized to grant a limited driving privilege under section 302.309, RSMo, to any person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty to a second or subsequent intoxication- related traffic offense shall require the use of an ignition interlock device on all vehicles operated by the person as a required condition of the limited driving privilege. Any person required to use an ignition interlock device shall comply with the court order, subject to the penalties provided by this section. The person will be issued a restricted license that specifies that the person is required to have an ignition interlock device on all vehicles driven by that person. This license shall be known as an ignition interlock restricted license. No ignition interlock license restriction may be removed until the person completes a consecutive period of interlock usage equal to or greater than the length of the original ignition interlock sanction period where the device has not prevented operation of the vehicle due to excessive breath alcohol concentration and the interlock records show no attempts to tamper with or circumvent the ignition interlock device, as defined in section 577.612, RSMo.

            2. No person shall knowingly rent, lease or lend a motor vehicle to a person known to have had that person's driving privilege restricted as provided in subsection 1 of this section, unless the vehicle is equipped with a functioning, certified ignition interlock device. Any person whose driving privilege is restricted as provided in subsection 1 of this section shall notify any other person who rents, leases or loans a motor vehicle to that person of the driving restriction imposed pursuant to this section.

            3. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.