PHYLICIA'S LAW
A Proposal to Strengthen Penalties for Impaired Drivers Who Cause Fatalities in Michigan
Purpose
Phylicia's Law is proposed in memory of Phylicia Zeestraten and all victims whose lives have been taken by impaired drivers. The purpose of this legislation is to increase accountability, strengthen deterrence, and ensure that families who lose loved ones to drunk or drug-impaired driving receive meaningful justice.
Background
Every year, Michigan families suffer devastating and permanent loss because individuals choose to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. These deaths are preventable. When a person knowingly chooses to drive while intoxicated and causes the death of another human being, the consequences should reflect the seriousness of that decision and its irreversible impact.
Proposed Legislation
Phylicia's Law would:
1Require that any individual operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs who causes the death of another person be subject to prosecution for Second-Degree Murder.
2Eliminate distinctions based solely on blood alcohol concentration when a fatality occurs, recognizing that the decision to drive while impaired is inherently dangerous regardless of the specific BAC level.
3Establish a mandatory prison sentence of not less than 25 years and up to life imprisonment upon conviction under the law.
4Ensure that sentencing reflects the permanent loss suffered by victims, families, and communities.
Goals of the Legislation
•Increase deterrence against impaired driving.
•Strengthen accountability for preventable deaths.
•Promote consistency in the prosecution and sentencing of fatal impaired-driving cases.
•Honor victims and support surviving family members through meaningful justice.