SENATE PASSES "SEAN�S LAW"

Legislation Would Get Teenage Drunk Drivers Off The Road More Quickly

Monday, April 22, 2002

The New York State Senate today passed "Sean�s Law," a bill that would get teenage drivers charged with DWI or DWAI off the road by allowing a judge to suspend the driver�s permit or junior license of the driver at the next regularly scheduled court session.

"Sean�s Law" is named after 17 year old Sean French of Columbia County who was killed New Year�s Day by a teenage drunk driver already awaiting arraignment on a December 13th DWAI charge.

"The tragedy that took the life of Sean French could have been avoided if the other teenager�s driver�s license had been suspended after that first DWAI," Senator Bruno said. "This bill will honor Sean�s memory by preventing drunk driving accidents, saving lives and preventing the anguish his family has endured. The French�s have shown tremendous courage in working to bring about this legislation."

"Sean was an outstanding student, athlete and member of the Columbia County Community," said Senator Stephen M. Saland (R-C, Poughkeepsie), sponsor of the bill. "I am very pleased that an agreement has been reached on a bill which will undoubtedly prevent many future tragedies. In Sean�s memory I am hopeful that many families will be spared the anguish the Frenchs have endured. Expediting the suspension of a driver�s permit or junior license of anyone charged with driving under the influence and requiring parental notification will greatly increase the likelihood that those who endanger lives through drunk driving will be stopped before engaging in future reckless behavior."

"We don�t see this as a memorial, it�s an ongoing tribute to Sean�s character, a living extension of his compassion for others to spare them the agony that we and others have faced," Sean�s father Mark French, said. "We appreciate the leadership of our elected officials. This is a tremendous example of how government works for us."

The bill (S.7291), which is also expected to pass the Assembly this week, would require that when the holder of a learner�s permit or junior driver�s license is charged with DWI or DWAI a judge would have the authority to immediately suspend the junior learner�s permit or junior license upon the driver�s first appearance before the court on the DWI/DWAI charge. Under current law, a suspension pending the prosecution of a DWI charge can occur only after all court proceedings required for arraignment have been completed. The license would be returned if the offender is found not guilty.

In addition, the bill says an individual�s court appearance must be at the next regularly scheduled session of the court.

The bill would also require the court to notify parents or guardians of their child�s court appearance or failure to appear on DWI or DWAI charges.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

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