Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Pushes for New Laws in Texas Legislature

Top Legislative Priorities for MADD

• 🎯 MADD is actively advocating for several new pieces of legislation during the current Texas legislative session.
• 💡 Their efforts aim to enhance public safety and combat impaired driving across the state.

Senate Bill 650: The Desan Jaguan Act

• 🛒 This bill proposes a significant change in alcohol sales by requiring stores to implement scanners to verify customer age (21+) before purchase.
• ⚖️ Named in memory of Desan Jaguan, who died in an alcohol-related crash, the act aims to prevent underage individuals from buying alcohol.
• ✅ The bill has already passed the Senate and is anticipated to move through the House soon.

House Bill 1398: Roadside Memorials

• 🛣️ This legislation seeks to extend the duration of roadside memorials from two years to ten years.
• 💬 Proponents, like MADD volunteer Denette Go, believe longer-lasting memorials serve as a constant reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.
• 🌻 The impact of these visible reminders, like the sunflower cross for Denette's daughter, is seen as crucial in influencing public perception and behavior.

Other Key Legislation

• ⚖️ MADD is also championing two additional bills that would mandate a minimum prison sentence of five years for intoxication manslaughter convictions.
• 📊 These combined legislative efforts underscore MADD's comprehensive approach to addressing drunk driving through policy change.