Repeat DUI Bill Named After Killed Delco Woman Signed Into Law

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Pennsylvania now has stronger penalties for those who are caught driving under the influence multiple times thanks to efforts by Delaware County State Sen. Christopher Quinn and others.

Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed House Bill 773, also known as Deana's Law.

The bill increases the penalties for those who have multiple driving under the influence convictions.

Deana's Law is named after 45-year-old Deana Eckman, of Brookhaven.

Eckman was struck and killed by Matthew Strowhouer, of Newtown Square, on Feb. 16, 2019 in Upper Chichester.

That incident marked Strowhouer's sixth DUI charge.

Strowhouer pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, and a host of other felonies and has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.

The head-on crash also seriously injured Eckman's husband Chris.

Quinn and State Sen. Bob Mensch reintroduced the bill when it languished in past legislative sessions after being introduced by former Delaware County State Sen. Tom Killion.

"It's taken almost three years, but Deana DeRosa Eckman's memory is now written into Pennsylvania law," Quinn said on social media. "That fact is a testament to Rich and Roseann DeRosa. As I said in one interview regarding the new law, I could call the DeRosas at any time, and they were ready to come to Harrisburg, talk to anyone, and advocate for the issue at any time. Without them, this legislation never would have made it through the House or Senate and become law."

The bill increases grading for certain repeat DUI offenders, ensures consecutive sentences are imposed to certain repeat DUI offenders, and offers substance monitoring program evaluations for repeat DUI offenders as a condition of probation, parole, or bail.