Lawmaker Proposes Stricter Penalties for Driving Under the Influence

Lawmaker Proposes Stricter Penalties for Driving Under the Influence. Lawmaker Proposes Stricter Penalties for Driving Under the Influence. Member of Parliament Saad Al-Khanfour has introduced a bill seeking to amend Article 38 of the Traffic Law with the aim of imposing more severe penalties on individuals caught driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, intoxicants, or any substance affecting their mental state. The proposed bill outlines the following penalties:

• First Offense: A minimum fine of KD5,000 or three years of imprisonment, along with a three-year suspension of the driver’s license.
• Repeat Offenses: For those who commit the offense again, the penalties become more stringent. The driving license suspension period is extended to five years.

In cases where accidents lead to damages, injuries, or fatalities, individuals found driving under the influence of the mentioned substances could face even harsher consequences:

• Imprisonment: A minimum of 15 years of imprisonment.
• Fine: A minimum fine of KD20,000.
• Driving License Suspension: A suspension of the driving license for a period of seven years. This period increases to 15 years for repeat offenders.

Inquiries Regarding Appointments and Actions in Various Ministries

Several Members of Parliament have submitted inquiries to various ministers regarding different matters:

Appointment in International Organizations:

MP Abdulhadi Al-Ajmi has questioned the Foreign Affairs Minister about the appointment procedures of Kuwaiti citizens to positions in international organizations, such as ambassadors, secretary generals, and directors. He also seeks information on the renewal of tenures for these positions and whether any nominations have been rejected.

Vacancies in Environment Projects:

Al-Ajmi has directed inquiries to Deputy Prime Minister Saad Al-Barrak regarding the apparent vacancies in the Secretariat General of Kuwait Focal Point for Environment Projects. He references a State Audit Bureau report on low productivity and requests information on dismissals and reasons for such actions.

Regulations for Private Universities:

MP Al-Ajmi has requested executive regulations related to the Secretariat General of Private Universities. He is interested in obtaining information about the members, allowances, educational development studies, licensing requirements for private universities, appointment of lecturers, and oversight procedures.

Plagiarism Cases in Education:

MP Jenan Bu Shehri seeks details from Minister Al-Ostad about actions taken by the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) in cases of plagiarism, including copies of such cases and disciplinary measures implemented since 2010.

Public Parks Establishment:

MP Bader Nashmi Al-Anzi has raised queries about the allocation of land for public parks in Jaber Al-Ahmad City by the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR). He also requests any relevant contracts.

Medical Personnel and Expatriate Doctors:

MP Al-Anzi has also directed questions to Minister of Health Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi regarding the number of Kuwaiti doctors in public medical facilities, recent graduates, acceptance of interns by medical boards in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, appointments of expatriate doctors in administrative roles, and their allowances.

Conclusion

These inquiries reflect the Members of Parliament’s concerns and efforts to gather information and address various matters within their purview.