A new law in Pennsylvania aims to update and clarify the state’s DUI statutes following recent court decisions. The legislation, known as Act 58 of 2025, was advanced by Senators Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28), Wayne Langerholc (R-35), and Judy Ward (R-30) after requests from local district attorneys and judges for changes that reflect both U.S. and Pennsylvania Supreme Court rulings on DUI enforcement.
Act 58 incorporates provisions from Senate Bill 697. It addresses sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted of operating a vehicle while their license is suspended due to a DUI offense. According to a ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, those found guilty must serve 60 days in prison for a first violation and 90 days for a second. The law also updates rules regarding refusal of breath or chemical tests, aligning with previous legislation and addressing requirements set by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Senator Phillips-Hill said, “I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate, including Rep. Rob Kauffman, who sponsored the underlying bill that was signed into law. Repeat impaired drivers will face meaningful penalties along with access to treatment options, such as Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), helping ensure accountability and rehabilitation. These measures will also enable our prosecutors and judicial system to resolve cases more efficiently.”
Senator Langerholc added, “Act 58 restores the General Assembly’s intent to fairly hold repeat DUI offenders accountable while preserving opportunities for ARD. By closing judicial loopholes that weakened DUI sentencing, this legislation ensures that individuals who reoffend after ARD face appropriate consequences and that our communities are safer as a result. I’m proud to support this common-sense reform and to stand with my colleagues in returning Pennsylvania’s DUI laws to the intent of the legislature.”
Ward commented on ARD’s role: “ARD is a longstanding program that promotes rehabilitation for eligible first-time defendants who agree to give back to their community and better themselves through things like service hours or drivers education and safety courses. Aligning this program with the recent caselaw will ensure that it can continue to be a valuable tool for prosecutors and a productive second chance for defendants who deserve it.”
Senator Phillips-Hill represents Pennsylvania’s 28th District covering York County and serves as Majority Caucus Chair in the Pennsylvania Senate (official website). She holds positions on committees such as Banking and Insurance and engages her constituents through events focused on public safety issues . Phillips-Hill has been active in introducing policy measures related to cybersecurity improvements and expanding naloxone access .
Phillips-Hill has served in the state senate since her election in 2018 , maintaining offices in Jacobus, Pennsylvania, and Harrisburg . She provides constituent services including assistance with state issues .
The passage of Act 58 marks an effort by lawmakers to align state law with recent legal precedents while aiming to improve outcomes related to DUI offenses across Pennsylvania.
