A bill that would require Colorado courts to impose strict conditions on the bail bond of those convicted of driving under the influence was sent to committee by the House after language in it was altered by the Senate.
Originally the bill called for the courts to require on the bail bond of individuals convicted twice of DUI participation in a substance abuse treatment program, electronic monitoring, and drug and alcohol testing. However, the Senate went one step further and made it a requirement of the courts to impose these conditions after one DUI conviction.
Rep. Rhonda Fields, D-Denver, a House sponsor of the bill, concurred with the Senate changes, noting that 38 percent of those convicted of a DUI will be repeat offenders. But Rep. Mark Waller, R-Colorado Springs, insisted upon clarification on the bill’s language through committee hearings.
“I’m not for putting mandates on the courts,” Waller said. “I’m not rejecting the bill, but courts work on real time, and I think they should have oversight to make judgments on a case-by-case basis.”
Denver Post staff reports
