Aaron Pena Official Website

Response to Recent Donna Tragedy

Austin -- In response to a tragic accident in Donna, State Representative Aaron Pena has lent his support to a bill that seeks to stiffen the penalties for persons convicted of a DWI whose blood alcohol content is at least double the legal limit. The unfortunate accident in Donna involved a driver who blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit. HB 51 was filed by Rep. Todd Smith and is presently before Rep. Pena's committee, where he presides as the vice-chair.

Representative Pena showed his support for the bill by signing on as the first joint author.

"My sympathies and condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones," said Pena. "This is a tragedy that touches us all. It also epitomizes how alcohol and drug abuse can have serious consequences. Presently this bill sits in my committee and I will work hard to see that it moves forward."

This bill would make first time intoxication offenses, where blood alcohol content exceeds double the legal limit, a stiffer penalty. The legislation would require offenders to serve longer jail time and also increase the fine. Texas leads the nation in alcohol related driving deaths and the Rio Grande Valley leads the state.

"The unfortunate loss of so many young lives in Donna has highlighted the need for tougher DWI laws," said Pena. "People need to be held accountable for their actions. What we have heard over the past few days is what we already know that excessive drinking has tragic consequences."

Rep. Pena is also a key author of House Bills 27 and 157, other important legislation involving intoxication offenses.