Case Explained: Melanie’s Law returns to Missouri capitol with statewide support – Legal Perspective

JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House Crime and Public Safety Committee heard testimony for House Bill 1740, otherwise known as Melanie’s Law, on Tuesday evening.

Melanie’s Law, sponsored by Representative Dave Griffith of Jefferson City, would increase the minimum jail time for driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenders and require an ignition interlock device for all offenders, including first-time offenders.

The bill is named after Melanie Wankum, who was killed by a drunk driver in Jefferson City on Oct. 22, 2022.

Melanie’s mother, Annette Wallace, and sister, Tina Woehr, among others, have worked with Griffith to pass Melanie’s Law.

“Me and my family received a life sentence without parole the night Melanie was killed,” said Wallace.

“One thing they really wanted to do was to be able to spare that grief for a lot of families moving forward,” said Griffith.

Melanie’s Law would require any person who receives a traffic offense conviction where the person’s blood alcohol content is found to be .15 or higher. This is commonly referred to as an all-offender law.

If Melanie’s Law is signed by Governor Kehoe, it would make Missouri one of 35 states, including the District of Columbia, to have an all offender law.

If Melanie’s Law is passed, Missouri would become one of 35 states nationwide to have an all-offender law, requiring any DWI offender to have an ignition interlock device installed in their car. (KRCG)

“This will introduce that anyone with .15 or higher first offense will have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle, and .08 on a second offense

or further will always have an ignition interlock device installed,” said Heather Elder, a Victim Service Specialist with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Melanie’s Law was passed through the Missouri House in 2025 with a vote of 142-2, but was not voted on in the Senate before the session’s end.

“This bill came very close to getting passed last year,” said Griffith. “This is my last year here in the house. This really was one of my top priority bills.”

The bill received testimony in support from multiple law enforcement agencies, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Prosecuting Attorneys Association.

The House Crime and Public Safety Committee will vote on whether or not to pass the bill to the full House on Tuesday. In 2025, the same committee voted to pass HB87 17-0.