Georgia lawmakers are making another big change to the state’s DUI laws. The Georgia State Senate recently voted to pass a bill making driving under the influence an automatic felony for illegal immigrants. Currently, DUIs are classified as a misdemeanor offense until a person is convicted for the fourth time, when it is then classified as a felony offense.
Georgia State Senator William Ligon, a Republican from Brunswick, sponsored this bill, which passed by a 35-18 vote. Senator Ligon stated that the issue of public safety makes this bill necessary.
This bill raises some concerns, especially regarding its constitutionality as well as the extra burden that may be placed on the prison system. As this time, a DUI felony conviction may be punishable by 1-5 years in prison.
According to The National Conference of State Legislatures, Georgia will be the first state to enact a law of this nature if it passes.
