Texas Senate Bill SB838

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/18/11
• Introduced: 2/22/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/20/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/11
• Report Pass: 4/18/11
• Engrossed: 4/20/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11

Caption

Relating to the penalty for driving while intoxicated.

Impact

The implementation of SB838 would result in a stricter legal framework for DWI penalties in Texas. By increasing the penalty classification for higher BAC levels, the bill aims to serve as a deterrent against severe intoxication while driving. Under the revised statute, individuals with elevated BAC levels could face harsher consequences, which may lead to a decrease in alcohol-related accidents and fatalities on Texas roadways. The bill emphasizes the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and aims to enhance public safety measures related to driving.

Summary

SB838 focuses on updating the penalties associated with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas. Specifically, it aims to amend Section 49.04 of the Penal Code to reclassify certain DWI offenses based on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of offenders. Under the proposed bill, if a driver is found to have a BAC of 0.15 or higher, the offense would be elevated from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor. This reclassification reflects a more stringent approach to managing intoxicated driving behaviors that pose a significant risk to public safety.

Contention

While proponents of SB838 assert that the heightened penalties will help curb instances of driving under the influence, there may be contention surrounding the effectiveness of punitive measures in actually preventing drunk driving incidents. Critics may argue that simply increasing penalties does not address underlying issues such as alcohol dependency, lack of awareness regarding the dangers of DUI, or inadequate public transportation options. Additionally, concerns regarding the equitable application of the law and the impact on offenders’ lives might be raised, particularly for those facing potential jail time due to elevated charges.