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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 2, 2019 02:55 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Thomas H. Killion |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Deana’s Law |
| In the near future, I will introduce legislation that would further protect our families from the heinous actions of repeat DUI offenders. On February 16, 2019, the life of Deana Eckman, a resident of Brookhaven Borough in Delaware County, was tragically cut short while she and her husband, Chris, were driving home from a family event. On that evening, Deana and Chris were struck by a highly intoxicated driver in a violent crash. The driver who killed Deana and caused injuries to Chris had previously been convicted of five DUI offenses. After this horrific accident and death, this individual was charged with his sixth DUI. Deana Eckman’s death has brought unbearable pain to her husband, parents, siblings, other family members, and friends, nearly one thousand of whom attended her memorial service. Hoping to save lives and spare other families the heartbreak they are suffering, her family is determined to change laws that have permitted a revolving door system for the most serious DUI offenders in Pennsylvania. Specifically, my legislation will substantially increase penalties for those who have multiple DUI convictions and target offenders who repeatedly drive drunk with high Blood Alcohol Content levels in their systems. Focusing on the very worst DUI offenders, we will be taking action to remove drunk drivers from our roads who pose the most danger to all of us. In addition, a goal of the legislation will be to enhance the oversight of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole to help ensure that serious DUI offenders receive intensive alcohol treatment so they do not continue to wreak havoc in our communities. I intend to develop language for Deana’s Law following a hearing in my district focusing on repeat DUI offenders. Testimony will be provided by Deana’s family, the law enforcement community, DUI experts, legislators and others. I ask that you join me to help further protect our families and communities from repeat DUI offenders. |
Introduced as SB773