Governor Gianforte Strengthens Montana DUI Law

Joins Flathead County law enforcement, honors life of Bobby Dewbre through new law

KALISPELL, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday joined law enforcement officers and advocates in Kalispell to recognize a new Montana law that strengthens penalties for drivers who kill a person while driving under the influence of alcohol.

“This new law sends a clear message: There will be real consequences for Montanans who engage in the unacceptable behavior of drinking and driving,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s an honor to stand alongside law enforcement and community advocates to recognize how Bobby’s family turned tragedy into action to help save lives.”

Joining Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino, Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio, Columbia Falls Police Chief Chad Stephens, and Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, the governor held a press conference in Kalispell to highlight the new law and honor the life of Bobby Dewbre, a young Montanan killed in December 2023 when crossing the street in Columbia Falls on his 21st birthday.

“This law is a good statement of accountability – to let everybody know that we're not going to turn a blind eye to it, that we are going to hold people accountable for their actions when it comes to drinking and driving, and that the legislators are backing the law enforcement in this state in that endeavor,” said Chief Stephens.

“This shows a true change to expand on our community’s safety, and that each entity – from local to state – recognizes the issue, and we’re working towards a better and safer Montana,” Sheriff Heino said. “One of the most difficult things for a peace officer to do is to investigate and advise a family member of the death of a DUI tragedy. These tragic events deeply affect all law enforcement officers, victims, their families, and ripples through the first responder community. Prevention is simply done by not driving while intoxicated.”

“Bobby’s Law specifically addresses those scenarios when individuals who are under the influence and kill another individual, it gives better options to county attorneys across the state so they can prosecute these tragic events,” said Sheriff Heino.

Bobby’s family joined the governor to speak about their advocacy through the heartbreak of losing their son, grandson, and brother.

"When my little brother was killed by a drunk driver, our lives were forever changed. The man who hit my brother had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.20, which is more than double the legal limit. And yet, in Montana, this wasn’t seen as outrageous – and until now, there has been very little cultural or legal incentive not to do it. My hope is that through Bobby’s Law, that changes,” said Carli Seymour, Bobby’s sister.

Signing into law House Bill 267, sponsored by Rep. Mitchell, the governor established Bobby’s Law, a new Montana law that imposes a minimum three-year sentence for drivers guilty of killing a person under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration double the legal limit.

“Bobby was a friend and a neighbor to me growing up in Columbia Falls. What happened to Bobby wasn’t just tragic, it was preventable and that’s why I brought this bill. Bobby’s Law makes it clear that if you drive under the influence and take a life, you will finally face real consequences from this state,” said Rep. Mitchell.

“We see change through education, accountability, and enforcement – this new law is another large step in providing accountability for those driving under the influence while reducing deaths in our community,” Sheriff Heino concluded.