Gov. Jim Doyle signed legislation Dec. 22 that will strengthen Wisconsin’s current penalties for drunken driving, including reducing the number of offenses before a felony charge.
The new law will change a fourth offense operating while intoxicated to a felony if it occurs within five years of another offense. It also increases a first offense OWI to a misdemeanor if a child under 16 years of age is in the vehicle.
Ignition interlocks will also be required for repeat offenders and first-time offenders at or above a 0.15 blood alcohol content level.
Adam Collins, spokesperson for Doyle, said the governor believes the bill is an important step forward in fighting drunken driving in Wisconsin.
“The bill is not everything everyone wanted but it is still a great thing for Wisconsin,” Collins said. “[Drunken] driving is a very serious problem in Wisconsin and these steps are needed.”
Frank Harris, spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said the organization supports the bill, however they still believe stricter measures need to be taken.
“MADD has been consistent in saying it’s a good step in the right direction, however more needs to be done to bring down the numbers of people killed,” Harris said. “How can Wisconsin be seen as being tough on drunk driving when a first offense is basically a glorified ticket?”
Harris said MADD is pushing for requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, including first offenders.
Although the new law has found much support, it has not been unanimous. Rep. Marlin Schneider, D-Wisconsin Rapids, voted against the bill, citing several concerns.
Aaron Dumas, a spokesperson for Schneider, said Schneider voted against the legislation due to concerns the voting process was too rushed. Schneider also believed some of the penalties were disproportionately harsh, Dumas added.
“Young people who make a single mistake are going to have a serious mark in their record,” Dumas said. “There’s no way for them to clear that.”
Schneider also had concerns about the financial costs of the bill, which would exceed any revenue generating provisions, according to Dumas.
