The Claims Journal reports that House and Senate negotiators have reached a compromise on how long first time DWI offenders will lose their licenses:
House and Senate negotiators reached a tentative deal Tuesday on legislation allowing a limited driver’s license for first-time drunken drivers to go to work, medical treatment, school or other locations approved by a New Hampshire judge.
The sides compromised over the time the license must be suspended before the limited license is issued. The House had proposed a minimum 14-day suspension while the Senate had set it at 60 days. They compromised on 45 days.
House negotiators at first proposed a 30-day suspension as a compromise instead of 60 days. They argued that was sufficient time to arrange counseling sessions and would not prove too much of a hardship on the driver’s family who would likely be driving the person to work.
“That will prevent people who mess up one time from losing their jobs,” said Rep. Renny Cushing, D-Hampton.
But Sen. David Boutin, R-Hooksett, said that was not a stiff enough punishment.
“I know people make mistakes but there have to be consequences,” he said.