Legislator honored for DUI legislation

Two Montana lawmakers were recognized Wednesday by the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility for their efforts to promote responsible drinking during the legislative session earlier this year.

Reps. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, and Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, were among 21 state legislators across the United States to receive the Leadership Award from the Washington, D.C.-based organization, which advocates against drunk driving and underage drinking.

Regier sponsored House Bill 111, which was signed into law during the 2015 legislative session. The new law steepens drunk driving penalties for felony offenders by extending Montana’s drunk-driving sentencing and program length from 13 months to up to two years.

Zolnikov was recognized for his sponsorship of House Bill 412, which granted immunity from minor-in-possession charges for those seeking medical attention for alcohol-related emergencies.

Regier, the House majority leader, announced last month that he will run for election in Senate District 3 next year. The district is currently represented by Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell, who has completed the maximum number of consecutive terms for a state senator.