Whereas, there are 2nd-time and 3rd-time OUI offenders who are presently unable to work because their licenses are suspended and have no opportunity to gain work-restricted licenses; and

Whereas, these offenders and their families will suffer great economic hardship if they have to wait until 90 days after the end of the legislative session to receive work-restricted licenses; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2503, sub-§§1-A and 1-B are enacted to read:

1-A.__Second-time and 3rd-time OUI offenders.__On receipt of a petition for a work-restricted license from a person under suspension pursuant to section 2451, subsection 3, paragraph B or C, the Secretary of State may stay a suspension during the statutory suspension period and issue a work-restricted license if the petitioner shows by clear and convincing evidence that:

A.__The license is necessary to operate a motor vehicle between the petitioner's residence and the petitioner's place of employment or in the scope of employment, or both;

B.__An alternative means of transportation is not available; and

C.__The petitioner has completed a driver education evaluation program and has completed, or is still participating in, substance abuse counseling.

For purposes of this subsection, "2nd-time OUI offenders" and "3rd-time OUI offenders" mean those persons defined in section 2451, subsection 3, paragraph B or C, respectively.

1-B.__Requirements of work-restricted licenses for 2nd-time and 3rd-time OUI offenders.__A person receiving a work-restricted license pursuant to subsection 1-A shall: