11/27/06-Gov. Mark Sanford said he intends to push for tougher drunken driving laws next year in an effort to cut down on alcohol-related wrecks in the state.
Sanford said he has no specific legislation that he was proposing but favors harsher penalties against those convicted of DUI. The governor said he supports a House bill that failed passage earlier this year.
Sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman James Harrison the bill sought to increase penalties depending on the level of alcohol in the driver’s blood. It also called for mandatory counseling and public service and required prison time for those convicted of three or more drunk-driving offenses.
Harrison, R-Richland, said he plans to file legislation again for the session that begins Jan. 9.