House passes Rep. Amore’s bill that extends ‘look back’ period on DUI offenses
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Gregg Amore’s legislation (2022-H 7810) which extends the “look back” period on repeat alcohol and drug-related vehicular offenses was passed by the House of Representatives today.
The bill extends the “lookback” period for third and subsequent offenses of driving under influence of liquor or drugs and refusal to submit to chemical test from five to ten years.
“Serial impaired drivers are currently gaming the legal system due to our lax ‘look-back’ laws and this situation needs to be rectified immediately so that those who continuously drive under the influence are held fully responsible for their dangerous, selfish and habitual behavior,” said Representative Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence).
According to the Century Council’s Hardcore Drunk Driving Sourcebook, a majority of jurisdictions have a “look back” period of 10 years. In fact, Rhode Island is the only New England state with a “look back” period of less than 10 years.
“The current five-year look back period is a dangerous loophole,” said Representative Amore. “It allows repeat offenders to be treated as first offenders, after the five year period has elapsed, in both the District Court and the Traffic Tribunal. Not only does that threaten the lives of Rhode Islanders who must share the roads with individuals with a long history of impaired driving, it also allows these repeat offenders to receive lessened sanctions.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration where Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham) has introduced the legislation (2022-S 2724).
The Senate is calling it quits for the night as Republicans and Democrats remain dug in as the shutdown rolls on. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they will return tomorrow, but added it's not certain there will be anything to vote on. Today, Democrats blocked a Republican measure that would pay federal workers while the government remains shut. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer earlier said Democrats will sign the GOP House-passed bill to re-open the government if it includes a one-year-Obamacare credit extension. Thune called it a "nonstarter," adding a one-year extension doesn't address the core issues of Obamacare. 
