Relating to increasing the criminal penalty and changing the eligibility for community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole for certain persons convicted of intoxication manslaughter.

Contracts

• Master Service Agreements (MSAs): You must amend agreements with logistics, delivery, and construction subcontractors. Insert clauses requiring vendors to certify that no drivers assigned to your projects have disqualifying prior DWI convictions combined with unresolved immigration status.
• Indemnification: Strengthen indemnity clauses to specifically cover criminal acts by subcontractor employees, explicitly referencing enhanced penalties under HB2017.

Hiring/Training

• Vetting Protocol Integration: Siloed background checks are no longer sufficient. You must cross-reference Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) with Work Authorization (I-9) data. A candidate with a prior DWI is now a critical liability if their work authorization is tenuous.
• Continuous Monitoring: Implement "infinity monitoring" for driver licenses. Annual checks are insufficient; you need real-time alerts for any new DWI arrest to pull the driver immediately.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Enhanced Driver Qualification Files (DQF): Document the specific dates of MVR reviews and work authorization verifications. In the event of an accident, these records will be your primary defense against gross negligence claims.
• I-9 Audits: Conduct an immediate internal audit of I-9 forms for all drivers. Ensure Section 2 (Employer Review) is perfectly executed to prove good faith verification of status.

Fees & Costs

• Insurance Premiums: Anticipate scrutiny from excess/umbrella carriers. Underwriters may demand higher deductibles or exclude coverage for drivers with *any* prior alcohol-related offenses to avoid the risk associated with this statute.
• Background Check Costs: Budget for increased spending on continuous MVR monitoring services.