Testimony Of Mary Ann Khoury, DUI Victim Center of Kansas , In Support Of HB 2114
(Feb. 9, 2005) The DUI Victim Center of Kansas was founded in Wichita in 1987 resulting from a DUI crash that killed a local woman and her unborn child that same year. The drunk driver had been served in a licensed establishment for several hours before driving on our streets. Since our beginning over 18 years ago, there are those in Kansas and even in Wichita who say they have never heard of this agency. However, more than 500 DUI crash victims and their families throughout Kansas are receiving services each year from our many volunteers and small staff. Our DUI Victim Panels present to more than 3,000 court ordered DUI and underage drinking offenders annually throughout Kansas.
As Founder, President/CEO of the DUI Victim Center of Kansas, I testify to you that the majority of our more serious crashes -- fatality and life altering injury -- result from an individual being irresponsibly served an alcohol liquor/cereal malt beverage while in a licensed establishment. Most recent, we have noticed an increase in persons leaving these establishments and running over pedestrians in the parking lot and then dragging them to death with their vehicles. Drunk driving is a serious crime and it is time Kansas recognized the responsibility of the server in these crimes.
House Bill 2114 will place a responsibility on the server that will result in more responsible licensed establishments in our state. Since founding the DUI Victim Center of Kansas in 1987, I have seen a Dram Shop Law placed before our legislators several times. Each time they have not brought this to law. Since 1987, I have seen thousands of individuals and families destroyed by irresponsible serving of alcoholic liquor/cereal malt beverages. It is not the responsible server that is being put on notice. Unfortunately, there are many who are not responsible regarding their serving to the public. These are the licensees who must be held accountable for the tragic outcome that occurs following their serving.
I strongly support House Bill 2114 for the citizens of Kansas and encourage the passing of this bill through your committee. The DUI Victim Center of Kansas will actively participate with Kansas MADD in every stage of the process to assist your efforts in bringing this bill to law in our state.