The Montana Legislature recently passed House Bill 267, a measure that strengthens penalties for drunk driving offenses that result in a death. Bobby’s Law is a testament to the impact one tragic event can have on a community. The law memorializes Bobby Dewbre, a young man who lost his life in a drunk driving accident in March 2023. Dewbre was celebrating his 21st birthday outside Columbia Falls when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. This senseless act of violence left a family with a profound sense of loss and a deep desire for change.
Beth McBride, Bobby’s mother, expressed her emotions as she spoke about the passage of Bobby’s Law.
“I am so overjoyed. Passing this law means my son didn’t die in vain, and it’s going to be a better, safer place for all Montanans.”
The law creates a new criminal offense: aggravated vehicular homicide while under the influence. This felony offense will apply to anyone who kills another person while driving under the influence if their blood alcohol level was more than.16 – twice the legal limit – or if the person was under court restrictions from other DUIs.
| Consequences | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Conviction of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide | Up to 30 years in prison |
| Minimum Sentence | 3 years |
| Fine | Up to $50,000 |
The spouse and children of the deceased driver may also be held accountable. The new law makes it a crime to leave the scene of a fatal accident and provides for increased penalties for drivers who are involved in multiple DUIs. In a statement, Rep. Braxton Mitchell, the bill’s sponsor, expressed his personal connection to Bobby Dewbre and his commitment to passing the law. “Bobby grew up a few doors down from me in Columbia Falls. I went to school with him, he was a couple years behind me,” he said. “The night he was killed, he was with one of my best friends. Just being able to bring this bill, I mean, it’s emotional to bring up. I’m glad we’re finally here.”
Bobby Dewbre was remembered as a kind and generous person who always wanted to make others smile and help where he could. His family established the non-profit Montana Bar Fairies, which aims to prevent drunk driving by spreading awareness and promoting responsible behavior.
- Montana Bar Fairies leave gift cards with stories of drunk driving victims on vehicles that were left in bar parking lots overnight – a thank-you gift for those who decided not to drive drunk.
- Drunk driving is a significant problem in Montana, and the organization is working to change the cultural narrative around the issue.
The Montana Bar Fairies Vice President and Bobby’s sister, Carli Seymour, highlighted the importance of starting a conversation about drunk driving. “Drunk driving is kind of woven into the cultural fabric of Montana,” she said. “And so starting that conversation and continuing that conversation is really important to us because nothing is going to change unless we talk about it.”
As Bobby’s Law is signed into effect, the community comes together to celebrate a major victory in the fight against drunk driving. The family’s legacy lives on, and their efforts will continue to inspire others to take action against this senseless crime. “This is what this law is, it’s his legacy,” said Beth McBride. “Bobby shared in his joy, he shared the things he had. He stopped to help people, recalled McBride.
