STATEHOUSE- Rep. Bill Davis (R-Portland) co-sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 71 to increase the penalty to involuntary manslaughter for operating while intoxicated (OWI) accidents resulting in the death of a fetus. The bill passed out of the House by a unanimous vote and now needs the governor's signature to become law. Involuntary manslaughter resulting in the death of a fetus is a Class D felony and punishable by a six months to three years in prison. "The killing of an unborn child due to driving under the influence should not be tolerated and tougher laws need to be enforced, Rep. Davis said. "The loss of a family member can be a traumatic experience for the family and hopefully tougher laws will prevent future individuals from getting behind the wheel after drinking." |
