Senate passes DWI interlock conference report extending revocation look‑back and clarifying interlock withdrawal rules
Summary
The Senate unanimously passed the conference committee report on House File 2130, which extends driver’s license revocation look‑back periods and revises rules for voluntary and involuntary withdrawal from the interlock program.
The Minnesota Senate on May 17 unanimously adopted the conference committee report on House File 2130, a public‑safety bill that extends the look‑back period for certain driving offenses and modifies the state’s ignition interlock program rules.
Senator Lachs, who presented the conference committee report on the floor, described the changes as aimed at preventing repeat drunk‑driving tragedies by encouraging participation in ignition interlock programs. The report clarifies how time already served on an interlock device is credited following voluntary and involuntary withdrawals: full credit is given when the withdrawal was for non‑alcohol reasons; half credit when the separation was for alcohol‑related but not driving‑related reasons; and no credit when the separation was for an alcohol‑related driving offense. The conference report also preserves a provision from the floor amendment that prohibits requiring individuals to continue paying service contracts for interlock devices after they discontinue participation.
The Senate put the bill on third reading and on final passage; the secretary reported a roll call of 66 ayes and 0 nays. Senator Lachs urged a green vote and said the bill will make roads safer for Minnesotans.
The conference committee report was adopted and the bill passed as amended by the conference committee; supporters said the changes balance incentives and penalties to increase participation in the interlock program and reduce repeat impaired driving.

