Governor Jim Doyle and the Tavern League don’t always get along, but they did Friday, in an effort to combat drunk driving in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Tavern League’s Safe-Ride program is getting additional money, under a law signed by Doyle. “We expect about a thirty percent increase in funding for our Safe Ride programs throughout the state,” said League lobbyist Scott Stenger. “It’s going to be a significant shot in the arm, one more tool to combat drunk driving.” [Read more...]
Bill consolidates recreational OWI penalties
March 24, 2010 By
Are Wisconsin laws dealing with intoxicated operation of boats, ATVs and snowmobiles too complicated? That’s what lawmakers are hearing at the Capitol. “Right now . . . it’s confusing, I could not believe it,” said Randy Hardin of Sheboygan, chair of the Governor’s State Trails Council. “It was almost what phase the moon was in, to figure out what ticket to write. That’s how complex it seems.” Hardin served on a task force which was charged with bringing some consistency to the current regulations. [Read more...]
Drunk driver blood draw bill heads to governor
March 5, 2010 By
A legislative session which has seen sweeping revisions of state laws dealing with intoxicated driving has produced one more drunk driving bill – “Tim’s law” is headed to Governor Jim Doyle’s desk.
The measure (SB 303) requires that blood be drawn when a driver causes death or serious injury in a crash – whether or not there is probable cause to suspect the driver has been drinking. Tim’s law is named for Tim McKee, killed in November of 2008 by a suspected drunk driver in Washington County. His family was in the Assembly for Thursday’s vote. [Read more...]
Doyle signs OWI bill
December 22, 2009 By
Governor Jim Doyle signs OWI bill
Governor Jim Doyle has signed Wisconsin’s new, tougher drunk driving bill. It criminalizes first time drunk driving when kids are in the vehicle, makes some fourth time drunk driving offenses a felony, allows use of ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders, and includes significant increases in fines. But Doyle concedes it’s not the last word. “It’s not everything I wanted, and I think if we went around this room, we could all say there were things we wanted in this bill that are not there,” said Doyle. “But it is a good bill.” [Read more...]
Governor set to sign OWI bill
December 22, 2009 By
Drunk drivers in Wisconsin will face tougher penalties, under legislation Governor Doyle is expected to sign into law later today. The Governor is scheduled to sign legislation this morning at a Capitol ceremony that would make 4th offense OWI a felony, along with other increased penalties and expanded treatment options. [Read more...]
