The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Alden A. Clement, Jr.
DIGEST
Dorsey-Colomb (SB 148)
Present law provides that whoever commits the crime of vehicular homicide is to be fined not
less than $2,000 nor more than $15,000 and imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less
than five years nor more than 30 years. Present law further provides that at least three years of the
sentence of imprisonment is to be imposed without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of
sentence.
Present law provides that if the operator's blood alcohol concentration is 0.15 percent or more by
weight based upon grams of alcohol per 100 cubic centimeters of blood, then at least five years
of the sentence of imprisonment is to be imposed without benefit of probation, parole, or
suspension of sentence.
Present law provides that if the offender was previously convicted of a violation of the present
law crime of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, then at least five years of the sentence of
imprisonment is to be imposed without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.
Present law provides that the court is to require the offender to participate in a court-approved
substance abuse program and may require the offender to participate in a court-approved driver
improvement program. Present law further provides that all driver improvement courses required
under present law are to include instruction on railroad grade crossing safety.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that when two or more homicides form the basis for a
conviction under present law, the offender is to be sentenced separately for each victim, and such
sentences are to run consecutively.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 14:32.1(B))