DNR To Explain New DWI Law At News Conference

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Department of Natural Resources will hold a news conference Tuesday to explain a new DWI law created in response to the death of an 8-year-old boy who was hit by a man driving a snowmobile in January.

Little Alan's Law, named after Alan Geisenkoetter Jr., provides more consistent application of DWI laws regardless of the type of vehicle driven. The man who killed Geisenkoetter Jr. was driving his snowmobile with a revoked license for previous DWI offenses.

"We have zero tolerance for people who endanger themselves and other people by operating a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle while they're intoxicated," director of the Minnesota DNR Enforcement Division Col. Rodmen Smith said. "This new law should send the message that drinking and driving--no matter what the vehicle--isn't acceptable and the consequences are severe."

The law will go into effect Aug. 1.

Family members of Geisenkoetter Jr. and DNR officials will deliver comments from DNR headquarters in St. Paul. They will also be available for interviews.

The event begins at 11 a.m.