Senate Bill 476 seeks harsher penalties for drunk driving under court orders

The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 476, aimed at strengthening penalties for intoxication manslaughter cases involving offenders who violate court orders to use ignition interlock devices. The bill was introduced in response to tragic incidents of drunk driving, notably the case of Keith Brazier, who, after multiple DWI convictions, caused a fatal crash that killed two teenagers and severely injured another.

The meeting began with a detailed account of Brazier's history of drunk driving offenses, including his release from parole just hours before the fatal incident. It was highlighted that he had circumvented court-ordered restrictions by driving a vehicle without the required ignition interlock device, which is designed to prevent intoxicated individuals from operating a vehicle. The bill proposes to elevate the penalties for intoxication manslaughter to a first-degree felony, punishable by life imprisonment if the offender is over 18 and knowingly violates the interlock restriction.

Senator Mays Middleton, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the need for accountability and deterrence in cases where individuals disregard safety measures that could prevent tragedies. He stated that the bill does not create new offenses but targets egregious cases where a driver knowingly bypasses court-ordered safety measures, resulting in death.

During the discussion, committee members raised questions regarding the bill's provisions, including the necessity for prosecutors to prove that the ignition interlock device was tampered with or not used at all. Senator Hinojosa and Senator Huffman expressed their support while also suggesting potential amendments to address cases where judges may impose stricter driving restrictions.

The committee then heard public testimony from several individuals, including law enforcement representatives and victims' family members, who voiced their support for the bill. Sergeant Jacob Manuel from the Galveston County Sheriff's Office shared his experience with DWI enforcement and highlighted the alarming statistics of impaired driving incidents in Texas. He noted that a person dies every nine hours due to impaired driving, underscoring the urgency for legislative action.

Zach Davidson, a family member of a DWI victim, also testified, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to prevent drunk driving and protect families from the devastating consequences of such actions. Sally Bacow, representing the city of Galveston, expressed the city's support for the bill and its commitment to addressing the issue of drunk driving.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discuss the bill and consider amendments that may enhance its effectiveness. The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for stricter penalties to deter repeat offenders and protect the public from the dangers of intoxicated driving.