House Bill 267, known as “Bobby’s Law”, in honor of 21-year-old Bobby Dewbre, who was killed by a drunk driver in Columbia Falls in 2023 is half-way through the legislative process. It passed out of the House with all Republicans and 36-Democrats voting “yes”.
The Bill is being carried by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, a Republican from Columbia Falls, who was incensed that the drunk driver who killed Bobby served only the maximum 18-months in prison.
Over 80 proponents spoke for the bill in committee with no one opposing it. Dewbre’s father, Robert Dewbre, spoke in support, saying this won’t “bring Bobby back”, but perhaps it will keep drunk drivers from offending again.
The only push-back came from Rep. Tom France, a Democrat from Missoula, who endorsed the concept of the bill, but expressed concerns about the one-size-fits all approach. He wanted prosecutors to have a bit of discretion, saying that every tragedy is unique. France got his concession and supports the bill. Flathead County Attorney Travis Ahner helped Rep. Mitchell write the legislation.
