Gov. Paul LePage has introduced a bill that would suspend the driver’s license of convicted drug dealers.
LD 1647 would require a six-month suspension of the driver’s license of anyone who is convicted of violating the federal Controlled Substances Act.
If a person convicted of trafficking or furnishing illegal drugs does not have a driver’s license or his or her license is already suspended, under the governor’s bill the courts would be required to delay issuance or reinstatement of a driver’s license for at least six month.
LePage’s bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Scott Cyrway, R-Benton, a retired law enforcement officer, would also increase the minimum license suspension for a first operating-under-the-influence conviction from 150 days to 180 days.
The end of the legislative session is growing near so LD 1647 is on an extreme fast track. It is on Tuesday’s schedule for the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee for a public hearing at 1 p.m., followed by a work session at 1:15 p.m.
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