Wisconsin: Drunk Driving Bill

Wisconsin lawmakers seem to think they should be applauded for a bill that toughens drunken driving laws.

While it's a step in the right direction, it falls short. It's pathetic that progress in Wisconsin means a fourth OWI would be a felony rather than the current fifth offense.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

The state Legislature took its first step toward major reform of Wisconsin's approach to drunken driving with the Assembly unanimously passing a bill Thursday that sets tougher standards for repeat offenders, imposes stiffer penalties and expands treatment programs.

The bill also makes a first offense for operating a vehicle while intoxicated a crime if a child is in the car. Wisconsin is the only state in the country where a first offense is treated like a traffic ticket.

Lawmakers said the bipartisan unanimity showed they were serious about addressing the state's problems with drinking and driving.

"We've got a big problem, and we're making a big step here to take care of this problem," said bill author Rep. Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis) just before the vote.

...Provisions in the Assembly bill include:

• Making a first-offense OWI a misdemeanor if a child younger than 16 is in the car. The provision wouldn't affect punishments for those with two or more offenses if they were caught driving with a child in the car.

• Requiring ignition interlocks for all repeat drunken driving convictions, as well as for first-time offenders with blood-alcohol levels of 0.15 or greater. The devices would be required for one year.

• Expanding statewide a pilot alcohol and drug treatment program in Winnebago County that gives judges the option of offering reduced jail time to offenders who successfully complete the program. Backers say it saves money while reducing recidivism.

• Making a fourth OWI offense a felony if it occurs within five years of the previous offense. Under current law, drunken driving isn't a felony until the fifth offense.

• Establishing mandatory minimum sentences for all OWI offenses.

• Closing a loophole for first-time offenders with low blood-alcohol levels.

These provisions are better than nothing but they should be considered just the beginning.

The state has a long way to go to adequately address the problem.

True, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. But why drag your feet on the way?

It's unfortunate that lawmakers are shying away from the bold action that's needed to properly address Wisconsin's drunken driving scourge.