11-03-2025
DUI punishments higher under 2 bills introduced Monday in Nevada Senate
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Republicans are proposing more severe punishment for driving under the influence with two new bills introduced Monday in the Nevada Senate.
Senate Bill 304 (SB304) is simple, opening the possibility of a vehicular homicide charge in any DUI case resulting in death. Current law does not allow the vehicular homicide charge unless the driver has been previously convicted three times.
Vehicular homicide is a charge that is rarely filed because prosecutors typically pursue a charge of DUI resulting in death.
SB309 is much broader, with provisions that:
Adds fentanyl and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or 'Molly') to the list of prohibited substances.
Sets tiered sentencing requirements that increase for second and subsequent offenses.
Triples the amount of the fine for a DUI from $1,000 to $3,000.
Lowers the threshold for the highest DUIs from 0.18% blood alcohol level to 0.16.%
If the person is in the treatment diversion program, it will still count as a prior offense.
Adjusts the threshold for intoxication from 0.08% blood alcohol level to a new standard of 0.10% for a vehicular homicide charge.
The changes in sentencing requirements also apply to boat operators.
'This is a significant bill that strengthens Nevada's DUI laws,' according to the SB309's sponsor, Republican Sen. John Steinbeck.
'Driving under the influence is entirely unacceptable, and we need to enact stronger laws to protect our citizens throughout Nevada. For nearly 35 years, I served with the Clark County Fire Department, and many of the worst calls I have ever been on are a result of someone driving under the influence. I have seen entire families killed by this reckless and 100% preventable behavior,' Steinbeck said.
'We have also seen a trend of more people driving under the influence of marijuana than ever before. Since the legalization, some drivers have wrongly interpreted that it is ok to drive a vehicle after or while using marijuana. SB 309 addresses this, along with many other deficiencies in our current DUI laws, that make it more difficult to hold offenders accountable,' he said.
SB304 has five primary sponsors and three co-sponsors, all Republicans: Sens. Jeff Stone, Ira Hansen, Carrie Buck, Lisa Krasner and Robin Titus are the primary sponsors; co-sponsors are Sens. John Ellison, John Steinbeck and Assem. Danielle Gallant.
SB309 is sponsored by Republican Sen. John Steinbeck.
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