MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – The Wisconsin Legislature is moving forward with toughening drunken driving laws, and Governor Scott Walker says he plans to sign a bill the Assembly passed on Wednesday.
It would increase penalties for some people with multiple offenses, and make the fourth offense a felony.
Frank Harris, Director of State Government Affairs with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, says while they support it more needs to be done.
“There’s definitely room for improvement. There’s still drunk driving bills out there we believe should pass,” said Harris.
Waiting in the wings is a bill dealing with first-time offenses. It would require those offenders to appear in court.
Bradley Schinke, President of the Outagamie County Tavern League, says that might be excessive.
“I want to know where they’re coming from. Shouldn’t people who have speeding tickets be required to show up in court as well?” Schinke said.
The Department of Corrections estimated that the new law would cost $129 million a year for those court appearances. But some, like Appleton Police Sgt. Dave Lund, say that’s it’s worth it.
“We see the after effects, we see the tragedies that occur, and we see that the families that lose a loved one,” said Lund. “They can’t put a price on that.”
According to the Wisconsin DOT, more than 4,000 alcohol related crashes have happened every year since 2012. And 101 people died in alcohol related crashes last year alone.
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