Gov. Greg Gianforte put Bobby’s Law on the books Friday, increasing statewide penalties for drunk driving.

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, to address what proponents of Bobby’s Law considered a loophole in the felony prosecution of drunk drivers involved in fatal collisions.

The issue came to the forefront in 2023, after Columbia Falls resident Robert “Bobby” Dewbre was struck and killed by a drunk driver days after his 21st birthday. The driver was eventually charged with two misdemeanors for the incident and received the maximum sentence of 18 months.

Flathead County Attorney Travis Ahner alluded to the requirement to prove negligence as a reason the county decided against pursuing felony charges. While the driver boasted a blood alcohol content of 0.20, he had reportedly followed all traffic laws leading up to the incident.

Under Bobby’s Law, any driver involved in a traffic fatality can be charged with a felony if their blood alcohol content is equal to or above 0.16, regardless of whether they otherwise acted negligently. Offenders face a state prison term of between three and 30 years, a fine between $10,000 and $50,000 or both.

Dewbre’s mother, Beth McBride, was among the bill’s staunchest supporters. She said the law’s signing felt surreal after months of legislative hearings and convoluted amendments. She is grateful that the work paid off.

“It means Bobby didn’t die in vain,” said McBride. “It means other families won’t have to suffer injustice. We can’t turn back the clock, but we can make it right for future families.”

After her son’s death, McBride and her daughter, Carli Seymour, founded a grassroots advocacy group called the Montana Bar Fairies. Volunteers with the group deposit coffee gift cards on cars left in bar parking lots overnight, with the goal of encouraging safe transportation options after drinking. The group also played an instrumental role in the passage of Bobby’s Law.

Dozens of members attended hearings in the Montana House and Senate to voice support for Bobby’s Law, including the family and friends of several other Flathead County residents killed in drunk driving incidents. Data collected by the Montana Department of Transportation shows that about 42% of all roadway fatalities in Flathead County involve a drunk driver. As a whole, Montana has more drunk driving fatalities per capita than any other state, according to a 2025 report from Forbes.

McBride knows these statistics well. She plans to continue working through Montana Bar Fairies to promote a safer drinking culture in communities throughout Montana.

McBride said she regularly fields inquiries from people across the state interested in forming their own local chapter of Montana Bar Fairies. The organization recently started hosting educational booths at brewery festivals and other local events.

“We’re growing gigantic. It’s really, really exciting,” said McBride. “What it goes to show is people are ready for change.”