Repeat DUI Offender Law Named After Killed Delco Woman Advances

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A bill proposing harsh penalties on repeat DUI offenders has advanced in the Pennsylvania senate.

Deana's Law, House Bill 773, was signed by the state senate and is now awaiting Gov. Tom Wolf's signature.

The bill was drafted by Republican State Sens. Christopher Quinn (Delaware County) and Bob Mensch after Deana Eckman was struck and killed by a man who had five DUI convictions.

Matthew Strowhouer, of Newtown Square, was under the influence when he hit Eckman, 45, of Brookhaven, on Feb. 16, 2019 in Upper Chichester.

Should it be signed into law, the bill would increase grading for certain repeat DUI offenders, ensure consecutive sentences are imposed to certain repeat DUI offenders, and offer substance monitoring program evaluations for repeat DUI offenders as a condition of probation, parole, or bail.

"It was a privilege to join Rich and Roseann DeRosa in the Senate gallery during its passage," Quinn said on social media. "It now heads to the governor."

The DeRosas previously appeared in Harrisburg to call on legislators to advance the law.

"As a mother, I cannot fathom how Deana’s Law has not been passed," Roseann DeRosa testified. "Everything has been done to water down and hinder this bill from passing."

"Five prior DUIs does no one any good when we allow that kind of driver to remain on the road to continue to threaten other peoples' lives," Mensch said.

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.

With reporting by Jon Campisi