11/7/03-The Senate passed legislation Oct. 23 toughening penalties on people who drive while on drugs. The bill, which previously passed the Assembly, now heads to the governor.
AB458 would make it easier to prosecute drivers who use illegal drugs by requiring only a showing that the driver had an illegal drug in his system. Current law requires authorities to prove the illegal drug actually impaired the driver.
Under the bill, drugged drivers could face the same penalties as drunken drivers, providing a 40-year sentence for causing the death of someone else.
For bill status, call (608) 266-1501. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.

10/8/03-The Assembly has passed legislation toughening penalties on people who drive while on drugs.
AB458 would make it easier to prosecute drivers who use illegal drugs by requiring only a showing that the driver had an illegal drug in his system. Current law requires authorities to prove the illegal drug actually impaired the driver.
Under the bill, drugged drivers could face the same penalties as drunken drivers, providing a 40-year sentence for causing the death of someone else.
It has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections and Privacy. For bill status, call (608) 266-1501. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.

9/12/03-The Assembly Judiciary Committee unanimously approved legislation Sept. 11 toughening penalties on people who drive while on drugs.
AB458, sponsored by Rep. Mark Gundrum, R-New Berlin, would make it easier to prosecute drivers who use illegal drugs by requiring only a showing that the driver had an illegal drug in his system. Current law requires authorities to prove the illegal drug actually impaired the driver.
Under the bill, drugged drivers could face the same penalties as drunken drivers, providing a 40-year sentence for causing the death of someone else.
The bill now heads to the full Assembly. For bill status, call (608) 266-1501. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.