By: Associated Press//December 27, 2013//
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Bills designed to toughen Wisconsin’s notoriously weak drunken driving laws that passed the state Assembly with bipartisan support may be going nowhere in the Senate.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald tells The Associated Press he would prefer to spend money on setting up special drunken driving treatment courts statewide before considering the bills. He said Friday the courts would be a more effective way to tackle drunken driving.
One of the bills awaiting Senate action would make all second offenses misdemeanors. Under current law, a second offense committed more than 10 years after a first offense is considered a first offense.
Another proposal would require all first-time offenders to make an appearance in court. A third bill would ensure that court-ordered ignition interlock devices are promptly installed.