Last week the Wisconsin Legislature was in session for the first time since the summer recess. Although I was disappointed with the absence of any action on legislation that would improve the job creation climate in our state, the State Assembly did pass legislation that will significantly crack down on drunk driving in Wisconsin.
The legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 283, is a comprehensive package of proposals aimed to strengthen our state's Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) laws. I believe this legislation will go a long way toward changing the culture and attitude of drinking and driving in our state. Therefore, I did vote in favor of the bill, which passed 95-0.
Specifically, AB 283 contains the following major provisions:
• Mandatory ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders with a 0.15 BAC (nearly twice the legal limit) and for all repeat offenders.
• Criminalizes first-offense OWI if there are children present in the vehicle.
• Makes 4th offense OWI a class H felony, if it occurs within 5 years of a previous OWI conviction.
• Immediate incarceration upon a 3rd OWI conviction.
• Revocation of driver's license to start after jail time, not to run concurrent.
• Lowers the prohibited BAC for all repeat OWI offenders to 0.02.
• Expands the successful Safe Streets Treatment Options Program statewide.
The legislation that passed the Assembly is not perfect, but does represent a compromise, and will go a long way toward strengthening our OWI laws.
Also, it is unclear if the State Senate will pass the same legislation. Sen. Jim Sullivan, D-Wauwatosa, has said he is close to reaching a deal with Rep. Tony Staskunas, D-West Allis, the author of AB 283. However, Sullivan has said he is considering increasing the tax on liquor, which I do not support.
I am hopeful the State Senate will approve the version passed by the State Assembly, and will quickly send the bill to Governor Doyle's desk for approval. Stronger drunk driving laws have been needed in Wisconsin for too long. I believe that passage of this bill will truly make our state and its residents safer.
- Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and parts of Lafayette, Rock and Dane counties.
The legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 283, is a comprehensive package of proposals aimed to strengthen our state's Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) laws. I believe this legislation will go a long way toward changing the culture and attitude of drinking and driving in our state. Therefore, I did vote in favor of the bill, which passed 95-0.
Specifically, AB 283 contains the following major provisions:
• Mandatory ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders with a 0.15 BAC (nearly twice the legal limit) and for all repeat offenders.
• Criminalizes first-offense OWI if there are children present in the vehicle.
• Makes 4th offense OWI a class H felony, if it occurs within 5 years of a previous OWI conviction.
• Immediate incarceration upon a 3rd OWI conviction.
• Revocation of driver's license to start after jail time, not to run concurrent.
• Lowers the prohibited BAC for all repeat OWI offenders to 0.02.
• Expands the successful Safe Streets Treatment Options Program statewide.
The legislation that passed the Assembly is not perfect, but does represent a compromise, and will go a long way toward strengthening our OWI laws.
Also, it is unclear if the State Senate will pass the same legislation. Sen. Jim Sullivan, D-Wauwatosa, has said he is close to reaching a deal with Rep. Tony Staskunas, D-West Allis, the author of AB 283. However, Sullivan has said he is considering increasing the tax on liquor, which I do not support.
I am hopeful the State Senate will approve the version passed by the State Assembly, and will quickly send the bill to Governor Doyle's desk for approval. Stronger drunk driving laws have been needed in Wisconsin for too long. I believe that passage of this bill will truly make our state and its residents safer.
- Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and parts of Lafayette, Rock and Dane counties.
