Dealing With DUI Legislators

Representative Stacey Campfield (R-Knoxville) announced today that he will be introducing a bill that aims to address the problem of lawmakers being convicted of driving under the influence. The proposal will bar legislators who have been convicted of a DUI from voting on any legislation that affects DUI laws.

“It’s a shame that we even need to address this issue, but when Democratic leadership continuously gives legislators a pass on inexcusable behavior, such as breaking the law by drinking and driving, something needs to be done,” stated Rep. Campfield. “As elected officials, we should be held to a higher standard.”

Last year, attempts were made to strengthen DUI laws in the state of Tennessee, but the legislation was blocked by Democrats in various committees. Rep. Campfield said he believes there is a clear conflict of interest when a lawmaker, who has been convicted of a DUI, is voting against strengthening the very laws he or she broke.

“It creates a system where good legislation fails in order to protect members of the General Assembly. We have fostered a culture in which the people who make the laws break the laws, and that needs to end,” Rep. Campfield added.

The Governor’s “DUI Task Force” made several recommendations last year, only to have the proposals scuttled in the committee process. He admitted in August 2007 that he hadn’t realized that the legislature failed to address the issue, adding that he would make it a priority in 2008.

“Let’s hope that he keeps his word,” said Campfield. “We can’t keep ignoring the issue in order to protect our own. It needs to be made a priority.”