Montana’s New Law Takes Aim At Drunk Driving Fatalities

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 25, 2025, Governor Greg Gianforte joined law enforcement officers and advocates in Kalispell to recognize a new Montana law that strengthens penalties for drivers who kill a person while driving under the influence of alcohol.

“This new law sends a clear message: There will be real consequences for Montanans who engage in the unacceptable behavior of drinking and driving,” said Governor Gianforte. “It’s an honor to stand alongside law enforcement and community advocates to recognize how Bobby’s family turned tragedy into action to help save lives.”

The governor highlighted the new law and honored the life of Bobby Dewbre, a young Montanan killed in December 2023 when crossing the street in Columbia Falls on his 21st birthday. 

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Bobby's Family Speaks

Bobby’s family joined the governor to speak about their advocacy through the heartbreak of losing their son, grandson, and brother. 

“When my little brother was killed by a drunk driver, our lives were forever changed. The man who hit my brother had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.20, which is more than double the legal limit. And yet, in Montana, this wasn’t seen as outrageous, and until now, there has been very little cultural or legal incentive not to do it. My hope is that through Bobby’s Law, that changes,” said Carli Seymour, Bobby’s sister.

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Signing into law House Bill 267, sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, the governor established Bobby’s Law, a new Montana law that imposes a minimum three-year sentence for drivers guilty of killing a person under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration double the legal limit. 

“Bobby was a friend and a neighbor to me growing up in Columbia Falls,” said Rep. Mitchell. “What happened to Bobby wasn’t just tragic, it was preventable, and that’s why I brought this bill. Bobby’s Law makes it clear that if you drive under the influence and take a life, you will finally face real consequences from this state.” 

Chief and Sheriff Share Their Thoughts

“This law is a good statement of accountability – to let everybody know that we're not going to turn a blind eye to it, that we are going to hold people accountable for their actions when it comes to drinking and driving, and that legislators are backing the law enforcement in this state in that endeavor,” said Columbia Falls Police Chief Chad Stephens. 

“One of the most difficult things for a peace officer to do is to investigate and advise a family member of the death of a DUI tragedy,” said Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino. “These tragic events deeply affect all law enforcement officers, victims, their families, and ripple through the first responder community. Prevention is simply done by not driving while intoxicated. We see change through education, accountability, and enforcement – this new law is another large step in providing accountability for those driving under the influence while reducing deaths in our community.”