Driving under the influence.

Existing law makes it a crime to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and sets forth the penalties for a violation of these provisions. Existing law provides that a person who is guilty of driving under the influence or driving under the influence causing injury, is subject to enhanced penalties if the current offense occurred within 10 years of a prior conviction that was punished as a felony for driving under the influence, driving under the influence causing injury, or vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. This bill would instead authorize those enhanced penalties for a current conviction for driving under the influence or driving under the influence causing injury that occurs within 10 years of a separate conviction that was punished as a felony for driving under the influence, driving under the influence causing injury, or vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. By changing the scope of penalties for existing crimes, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.