FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2006 Gannon Introduces Legislation to Reduce Repeat DUI Offenders To help enhance public safety by keeping repeat drunk drivers off Pennsylvania roads and highways, Rep. Tom Gannon (R-Delaware) has introduced legislation in the state House of Representatives to toughen penalties for and call for the forfeiture of vehicles in DUI offenses. "Drinking and driving is irresponsible at any time, but it shows even more disregard for the law when individuals with at least one DUI conviction already get behind the wheel and drive while under the influence," Gannon said. The legislator noted that Delaware County prosecutors are presently dealing with three cases of repeat DUI offenders. Two of these individuals were arrested for their 10th DUI offense, while the third was arrested for his seventh offense. Specifically, Gannon's proposal seeks to remove habitual DUI offenders from the highways by requiring a two-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and upgrading offenses in this category to a third-degree felony. The legislation also calls for the forfeiture of the vehicle the offender was driving at the time of the DUI arrest. The legislation is designed to remove these serious offenders from the road and end their ability to further endanger the lives of the men, women and children in our communities, Gannon noted. "What is so shocking is that these individuals have had numerous opportunities to comply with the drunk driving laws and to take advantage of drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation programs but have either failed or refused to do so," he continued. "These offenders routinely ignore restrictions placed on their driving privileges and demonstrate a total disregard for the health and safety of others by continuing to get behind the wheel and driving while impaired." Vehicle forfeiture, along with incarcerating the habitual offender for a longer period of time, are simple and effective means of denying recidivist intoxicated motorists the privilege of using our public highways, he said. Gannon has been involved in efforts to curb driving under the influence in his previous role as the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. In 2004, he helped update Pennsylvania's DUI laws. The legislation, House Bill 2598, will soon be assigned to a House committee for further consideration. Rep. Thomas Gannon 161st District Pennsylvania House of Representatives (610) 461-5543 (717) 783-6430 www.RepGannon.com Contact: Jennifer Algoe Keaton House Republican Public Relations (717) 705-2094 www.pahousegop.com