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Chippewa Valley Legislators Vote to Protect Wisconsin Families

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Chippewa Valley Legislators Vote to Protect Wisconsin Families

Drunk driving reform package will make Wisconsin roads safer

MADISON – Senator Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls), Representative Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire), and Representative Kristen Dexter (D-Eau Claire) voted to approve the most comprehensive drunk driving reform in state history in the form of Senate Bill 66 (SB 66). The drunk driving reform package was approved Wednesday with near unanimous support. SB 66 is a result of efforts to bridge minor differences (treatment language and funding mechanisms) between two reform bills unanimously passed earlier this year.

· Assembly passed AB 283 on Sept. 17 (95-0)

· Senate passed SB 66 on Nov. 5 (32-0)

“Too many lives have ended tragically or have been forever changed by drunk drivers so it is only right that we strengthen our state’s drunk driving laws,” Sen. Kreitlow said. “This plan cracks down on offenders and makes sure that the cost of this is paid by the individuals responsible.”

According to the Department of Transportation, alcohol-related crashes killed 234 people and injured more than 4,000 others in 2008.

The Drunk Driving Reform Package increases penalties for drunk driving, offers treatment options, and is aimed at preventing individuals from operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). This legislation will make a fourth OWI offense a felony if the driver has a previous OWI-related conviction, suspension, or revocation within the past five years.

“The comprehensive public safety measures outlined in SB 66 also include protections for Wisconsin taxpayers,” Rep. Smith said. “The legislation to crack down on drunk driving will be paid for with increased fees and surcharges levied against those who break the law.”

The drunk driving reform Package also includes statewide expansion of the successful Winnebago County Safe Streets pilot program, which directs some offenders into alcohol treatment programs. This is a program that has seen great success in reducing drunk driving recidivism and has saved significant county tax dollars.

“Eau Claire County has also experienced success reducing recidivism with alternatives to incarceration. These programs help offenders confront their addiction, accept responsibility for their actions, and get the treatment they need,” said Rep. Dexter. “SB 66 highlights the importance of programs that emphasize treatment over costly incarceration, because the best way to reduce the incidence of drunk driving is to prevent it in the first place.”

Last Updated (2009-12-18 13:15:55)