To The Gallows?

Today, the Montana House tackled a piece of legislation aimed at curbing our state’s DUI problem. The bill seeks to make a person’s third DUI conviction a felony. Currently, the law states that a fourth, or subsequent DUI is a felony. The bill was given initial approval by the house, with a bipartisan majority.

However, during debate on the floor of the House, we saw one of the stranger moments this legislative session. Republican Rep. Alan Hale stood up on the floor and suggested that instead of trying to fix our state’s DUI issues with responsible legislation, instead we should build gallows for those who break these laws.

These comments were bizarre, however an inspection of Hale’s voting record is even more troubling. Hale has voted against every single piece of legislation that seeks to curb DUIs in the state. It’s as if he doesn’t think the fact that Montana has one of this highest DUI fatality rates in the country is a problem. Perhaps that is the case, as he has said several times that he believes our current punishment system for DUIs is too strict (keep in mind, currently it isn’t a felony until your 4th conviction).

One can’t help buy wonder if Hale, as a bar owner, is more concerned about his personal bottom-line, than he is about the safety of Montanans on our roads.