Latest news with #SB309
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas bill would require proof of citizenship to register to vote
The Brief A majority of Texans support election reform ideas, according to a new poll. SB 309 would require proof of citizenship to vote. A hearing on the bill could happen in a couple of weeks. AUSTIN, Texas - A new poll shows a majority of Texans were satisfied with how the 2024 elections were run. However, the poll also found that there's strong support for some election reform ideas being considered by state lawmakers, like requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. Sen. Bryan Hughes filed SB 309 that would require proof of citizenship to vote. What they're saying Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola):The law requires that only U.S. citizens can vote in U.S. elections. However, to register to vote, you're not required to show proof of citizenship. The feds have not let the states do that. There's a federal bill moving that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote. But we're not waiting for Washington. Our bill says to register to vote in Texas, you need to show proof of U.S. citizenship. It's pretty basic. Most people agree that only U.S. citizens have the right to vote in U.S. elections. But remarkably, there's opposition to requiring proof of citizenship to register. That's what this bill is about. Rudy Koski, FOX 7 Austin: On the voter registration cards right now, there's a box that says, I am a U.S. citizen. You're supposed to check that. Why isn't that enough? Hughes: The difference is showing proof. Let me see a birth certificate, a passport, as you know, to get a driver's license in Texas for years now. You've been required to show proof of citizenship. A birth certificate, a driver, a passport, something like that. We need that same requirement for voter registration. Every year we clean the voter rolls and we find non-citizens who are registered to vote in Texas. And that doesn't make sense. Koski: The Trump administration is trying to change how birthright citizenship is interpreted. Are you worried that that case could affect your bill? Hughes: We definitely have to watch both of them. That right to vote is a precious privilege of U.S. citizens. And so determining who's entitled to U.S. citizenship will have a lot to do with who has a right to vote. So they're both important. We have to watch a vote. Koski: How soon could this come up? Hughes: So the bill is filed and referred to the Senate Committee on State Affairs where election matters go. We plan to have a hearing on this bill within the next couple of weeks, so it should be moving quickly. You can watch Texas: The Issue Is every Sunday night on TV and anytime on FOX LOCAL. The Source Information in this article comes from an interview with Sen. Bryan Hughes.
