Cedar Hills mayor aims to avert DUI deaths

McGee said he would like to address the illegal immigration issue with the state Legislature, but he also has made calls to Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, as well as Utah's other federal representatives to see what can be done.

So far, McGee's proposition has been well received, he says. He plans to have a resolution to present to Utah County's mayors and ask for their support within the next week or two. Then, he'll approach Utah lawmakers.

Rep. John Dougall, R-Highland, says he will listen to McGee's suggestions.

"There are things that could be done if we could get the major support of the Legislature to get them done," Dougall said. "I think people recognize the Legislature in Utah has been very serious in trying to address the problem of DUI. We continue year after year to make improvements to that situation. Even one DUI is too many, so we need to keep making improvements there."

According to Utah law, if a person is convicted of drunken driving one time, he or she can be sentenced to jail for at least 48 hours. The person must be sentenced to perform community service or be confined at home with electronic monitoring. The person is also supposed to pay a fine of at least $700 and possibly attend substance abuse counseling.

For a second offense within 10 years, the jail sentence jumps to at least 240 hours with a fine of at least $800, along with drug counseling and home confinement or community service.

For a third offense within 10 years of two previous convictions, the person can go to prison. If the court suspends a prison sentence and puts the person on probation, the person can be fined at least $1,500 and spend a minimum of 1,500 hours in jail.

Although the laws are meant to target repeat offenders, it doesn't mean the laws are perfect, said Sen. Peter Knudsen, R-Brigham City, outgoing Senate Majority Leader and member of the senate appropriations committee.

"I would say a petition from the mayor of Cedar Hills would be received very warmly," Knudsen said. "We certainly want to look at whatever we can, at least from a legislative standpoint, to make sure that there isn't something we've overlooked."

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