Bill strengthening DUI penalties in Colorado awaits governor's signature

A bill that would strength DUI penalties in Colorado has passed the Senate and is now headed to Gov. John Hickenlooper's desk for final approval.

House Bill 17-1288, presented by Republican Sen. John Cooke of Greeley, increases penalties against habitual DUI offenders. The bill requires courts to sentence criminals who commit class 4 felony DUI or have been charged with four subsequent DUIs up to two years, and no less than 90 days in the Department of Corrections. The bill also mandates additional community service requirements of up to 120 hours, as well as further drug and alcohol safety classes.

"Driving drunk in Colorado is absolutely unacceptable, yet far too many people continue to commit these crimes that put so many innocent lives at risk," said Cooke in a media release. "In 2017, with so many safe alternatives available, those who continue to shamelessly disregard the safety of our law-abiding citizens, and brazenly ignore our laws by driving under the influence deserve the swiftest and strongest punishments. I will continue my work in the legislature to ensure that those with the audacity to drive drunk know this behavior is not acceptable in Colorado."