12/28/09-Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill into law toughening rules on drinking and driving. It takes effect July 1, 2010.
Previously SB66, the new law includes a requirement that makes driving drunk a felony on a fourth offense within five years instead of waiting until the fifth offense in some cases. A first-time offender will face a $300 fine only if a child under 16 is in the vehicle.
Ignition interlocks will be required for repeat offenders, as well as first-time offenders with blood-alcohol levels of at least 0.15 percent – nearly double the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
In addition, second- and third-time offenders could reduce their time behind bars by completing drug and alcohol treatment.

11/12/09-The Senate has unanimously approved a bill that would toughen rules on drinking and driving.
SB66 includes a requirement for more drivers to install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles and for making some fourth drunken driving offenses felonies. The bill has moved to the Assembly where the chamber approved their own drunken driving measure in September, but they adjourned for the year without voting on the Senate version.
However, Gov. Jim Doyle is considering calling lawmakers in for a special session on another topic before the end of the year. That could open the door to a quicker resolution on the drunken driving bill.
Both versions are similar. They would make driving drunk a felony on a fourth offense within five years instead of waiting until the fifth offense in some cases. A first-time offender would face a $300 fine only if a child under 16 is in the vehicle.
Ignition interlocks would be required for repeat offenders, as well as first-time offenders with blood-alcohol levels of at least 0.15 percent – nearly double the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
In addition, second- and third-time offenders could reduce their time behind bars by completing drug and alcohol treatment.
Because Assembly and Senate lawmakers must work out what are described as “minor differences,” the delay is likely to prevent the legislation from being signed into law until after the first of the year. Gov. Doyle has said he supports the bill.
For bill status, call 608-266-1803. In Wisconsin, call 800-362-9472.