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Minutes for HB2439 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Creating an additional crime of involuntary manslaughter for certain violations of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 6, 2018
The Chairman opened the hearing on HB2439 - Creating an additional crime of involuntary manslaughter for certain violations of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Jason Thompson provided an overview of the bill and answered questions from the committee. (Attachment 1)
Representative Russell Jennings spoke in favor of HB2439 and emphasized this bill is about repeat offenders who do not follow the rules that are in place. He told of the death of Caitlin Vogel, which was caused by colliding with a vehicle driven by a driver who avoided the ignition interlock sanction on his license by borrowing a car to drive while drunk. Representative Jennings pointed out written testimony submitted by Caitlin's parents and one of Caitlin's friends who were not able to attend the meeting. (Attachment 2)
Ed Klumpp supported HB2439 stating there has been an increase of 247% from 2012 to 2016 in the number of drivers who have been convicted of a new driving under the influence (DUI) violation while having driving privileges suspended from a prior DUI. Mr. Klumpp answered questions from the committee. (Attachment 3)
Greg Smith gave support for HB2439 and explained how Caitlin's friend, Blair Gordon, contacted the Johnson County Sheriff's Office about the possibility of developing legislation in this area. Their office helped in arranging the meetings needed to develop a plan for this bill. He believes the bill will fix a hole in the DUI law. Mr. Smith answered questions from committee members. (Attachment 4)
Kim Parker supported HB2439 and commented on the pain felt by family members when they are told there will be no additional penalty in the situations addressed by the bill even though the driver's driving privileges had been restricted due to prior DUI's. She believes this bill may help to relieve some of the shock for family members in the future. (Attachment 5)
Chairman Wilborn noted written testimony submitted in favor of HB2439 by Kevin and Patricia Vogel, Caitlin's parents, (Attachment 6) and by Blair Gordon. (Attachment 7)
The Chairman pointed out a memorandum on the prison bed impact of HB2439 and indicated plans to move the bill forward to arrange a signing by the Governor on Caitlin's birthday, March 9. The hearing on HB2439 was closed.
Chairman Wilborn adjourned the meeting at 11:06 a.m.
