FRANKFORT, Ky. – Representative Patrick Flannery has received recognition from the Kentucky County Attorneys Association. The Distinguished Legislator Award was presented to Flannery for championing HB 154 during the most recent legislative session.
The legislation allows for a search warrant in all DUI cases, whereas before there had to be a death or physical injury.
“It’s important for us to improve public safety where we can here in Kentucky. When drugs are a factor in at least half of the state’s DUI cases, it’s an important public safety issue impacting every Kentuckian. HB 154 is a proactive policy that helps keep our roads safe,” said Flannery, who represents Carter and Lewis counties, and a portion of Boyd County. “I am humbled and honored to receive this award.”
Flannery’s measure was in response to a Kentucky Supreme Court decision last year that prevented prosecutors from introducing evidence in some DUI cases of a blood test refusal. A blood test is critical in a drugged driving prosecution, whereas breath testing is usually sufficient in alcohol related DUI cases.
“On behalf of Kentucky County Attorneys, we thank Representative Flannery for his steadfast commitment to keeping our roads safe by sponsoring HB 154,” said Jenny Oldham, President-Elect of the Kentucky County Attorneys Association. “This bill allows law enforcement to apply for a search warrant in all DUI investigations when the driver refuses to submit to blood testing. Rep. Flannery continued to work on this bill in the face of battling cancer with chemotherapy during the legislative session, and we appreciate his commitment.”
HB 154 is now in effect as Kentucky joins two thirds of its sister states in allowing search warrants for blood testing in DUI cases. To learn more about the measure, visit legislature.ky.gov.