1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to public safety; establishing a working group to study the feasibility of a 
1.3 	pilot project for a statewide 24/7 sobriety program.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. 24/7 SOBRIETY PROJECT WORKING GROUP.
 1.6 		Subdivision 1.Findings. The legislature finds that driving while impaired offenses 
1.7 	and other alcohol- and drug-related offenses continue to pose a serious threat to public 
1.8 	safety. In addition, alcohol- and drug-related crimes increase strain on state and local 
1.9 	funds, including law enforcement expenses, medical costs, treatment costs, court costs, 
1.10 	and the costs of incarceration. While existing punishment and treatment resources are 
1.11 	helpful, the legislature seeks to discover and implement methods to reduce the incidence 
1.12 	of alcohol- and drug-related crime permanently. Innovative approaches to increasing 
1.13 	sobriety among potential offenders must be considered and examined in order to protect 
1.14 	the safety of potential victims, better the lives of offenders who suffer from alcohol or 
1.15 	drug addiction, and thereby increase the safety of the public.
1.16 		Subd. 2.Study. (a) The commissioner of public safety shall convene a working 
1.17 	group to study, evaluate, and make recommendations about the fiscal and practical 
1.18 	feasibility of creating a pilot project for a statewide 24/7 sobriety program that provides:
1.19 	(1) for persons convicted of DWI offenses and other offenses involving alcohol 
1.20 	or controlled substances:
1.21 	(i) innovative supervision options;
1.22 	(ii) incarceration alternatives; and 
1.23 	(iii) limited licensing provisions; and
1.24 	(2) potential locations for a pilot project sobriety program.
2.1 	The working group may evaluate components of the 24/7 sobriety project in South 
2.2 	Dakota including funding sources, implementation challenges and solutions, and technical 
2.3 	resources.
2.4 	(b) By January 15, 2010, the commissioner of public safety shall provide a written 
2.5 	report of the working group's findings and recommendations to the chairs and ranking 
2.6 	minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions 
2.7 	having jurisdiction over criminal justice policy.
2.8 	(c) The working group shall be appointed by the commissioner of public safety 
2.9 	and, at a minimum, shall consist of representatives from law enforcement, probation, 
2.10 	courts, corrections, public safety, county attorneys, public defense, and substance abuse 
2.11 	treatment programs.
2.12 	(d) The working group expires on January 15, 2010, or upon submission of the 
2.13 	report required under paragraph (b), whichever is earlier.

2.14 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.