MN Lawmakers Push DWI Reform After Tavern Crash

In response to a tragic drunk driving incident at Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, Minnesota lawmakers are pushing for reforms to the state's DWI laws. The incident, involving Steven Bailey whose blood alcohol content was four times the legal limit, resulted in two deaths and nine injuries. Bailey, with a history of five prior DWI convictions, had his interlock device removed in 2020, which lawmakers believe could have prevented the crash had it remained. The proposed legislation seeks to extend the interlock requirement to 10 years for those with three or more lifetime DWI convictions and introduce mandatory breathalyzer tests before and during driving for repeat offenders. This bipartisan effort is supported by community members, including Park Tavern owner Phil Weber, and aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. The trial for Bailey, who has pleaded not guilty, is set for May 12.