I want to take a minute of your time to strongly encourage you to contact your state senator and let him or her know your support for LB 258, a bill that holds minors in possession accountable for multiple offenses. The bill provides for enhanced penalties much like our DUI statutes.
MADD stands strong on the concept of Restrict, Repay and Recover. As a community we want to ensure that an MIP offenders do not have the opportunity to re-offend year after year without increased penalties.
LB 258, provides the appropriate avenue for offender accountability. Currently, a young person can have multiple Minor In Possession(MIP) violations and the same consequence is in place – just as if it was a first offense. There must be a strong deterrent factor: tougher fines, community service, alcohol education. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/CS/LB258.pdf
As a society, we must implement sanctions that hold the offender accountable in order to assure that the MIP offender does not go on to become a DUI offender that is in control of a 2,000 pound bullet. A bullet that poses substantial risk to our wellbeing as we drive the roads to work, school & social functions. Everyone in the community ought to have the right to travel safely without the worries of being impacted by a drunk driver.
On behalf of MADD and our members, I want to encourage you to contact your Nebraska State Senator ASAP and affirm your support for this legislation. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/senator_list.php
Nebraska Unicameral
Please take time to support this legislative issue that addresses the continued lack of attention to the repeat MIP issue. Additionally, thank Senator Harms for introducing it and Speaker Flood for his strong support on the floor during debate, Tuesday, February 16th.
Simera Reynolds, M. Ed.
MADD Nebraska
MADD Nebraska 