Signed by Governor Kevin Stitt

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases the role of victim impact panels in preventing future OWI's.

Highlights:

• Establishes the fee needed to be paid by a defendant for a victim/offender reconciliation program or for a victims impact panel program at $75 (Sec. 1).

• Defines “victims impact panel program” as a program that includes live presentations from presenters who will share personal stories with participants about how alcohol, drug abuse, the operation of a motor vehicle while using an electronic communication device or the illegal conduct of others has personally impacted the lives of the presenters (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a certified assessment agency, certified assessor, or provider of an alcohol and drug substance abuse course from providing a victims impact panel program, and from having any proprietary or pecuniary interest in a victims impact panel program (Sec. 1).

• Requires the provider of the victims impact panel program, starting October 1, 2020, and each October 1 thereafter, to provide to the District Attorneys Council a registration fee of $1,000 (Sec. 1).

• Requires any person found guilty of an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) offense to be required by the court to attend a victims impact panel program if such a program is offered in the county where the judgment is rendered (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this act will become effective September 1, 2020 (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text