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Bill

A 6899

Authorizes a statewide toll free hotline run by the state police with reward for information leading to conviction of drunk drivers; imposes an additional surcharge on convicted drivers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Pretlow

Establishes a statewide toll-free DUI tips hotline run by state police, with rewards for tips leading to convictions and an extra surcharge on convicted offenders.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 6899

Summary: Bill A 6899

A 6899 would establish a statewide toll-free hotline operated by the state police to solicit tips related to drunk driving and offer a reward for information that leads to a conviction of drunk drivers. It would also impose an additional surcharge on individuals convicted of drunk driving.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a centralized, accessible channel for reporting suspected drunk driving to law enforcement.
  • Provide a monetary incentive (reward) for information that results in the conviction of a drunk driver.
  • Augment penalties for drunk driving by adding a new surcharge on convicted offenders, generating revenue presumably to support the program or related enforcement activities.

Key Provisions

  • Hotline: Authorization of a statewide toll-free hotline, run by the state police.
  • Reward: Establishment of a reward program for information that leads to the conviction of a drunk driver.
  • Additional Surcharge: Imposition of an extra surcharge on individuals convicted of drunk driving.
  • Administration: The bill designates the state police as the entity responsible for operating the hotline and administering related components (e.g., the reward program and surcharge collection).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Drunk driving offenders: Subject to the new surcharge if convicted.
  • State Police: Responsible for operating the toll-free hotline and managing the reward program.
  • General public and tipsters: Eligible to use the toll-free hotline to report suspected drunk driving and potentially receive rewards if information leads to a conviction.
  • Courts and prosecutors: Potentially impacted by receiving information or evidence generated through hotline tips; enforcement of the new surcharge would involve fiscal and administrative processes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 18, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Transportation Committee.
  • Legislative actions show the same referral date (March 18, 2025) in the record.
  • Next steps (typical for a bill in committee): Committee review, potential amendments, hearings, and a vote before moving to the floor.

Fiscal and Administrative Considerations

  • Revenue: The additional surcharge on convicted drunk drivers would generate funds, though the amount and allocation are not specified in the available information.
  • Costs: Operating a statewide hotline and administering a rewards program would entail ongoing administrative costs; precise fiscal impact would be clarified in committee or fiscal notes if produced.
  • Allocation: The bill does not specify how funds would be earmarked (e.g., hotline operations, enforcement programs, DUI prevention initiatives).

Related Legislation

  • Related bills from prior sessions (A 2163, A 3931, A 2463, A 5759, A 6037, A 2114, A 4471, A 1829, A 3631) suggest a broader interest in DUI enforcement, penalties, and information channels.

Sponsor: J. Gary Pretlow (primary)

This summary focuses on the substantive elements currently available and does not reflect any amendments that may be offered during committee review.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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