Lawmakers have overwhelming approved legislation that includes tougher penalties for drunk drivers. The bill makes fourth offense OWI a felony, requires ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders, and expands treatment programs. [Read more...]
Deal reached on OWI reforms
December 8, 2009 By
State lawmakers says they have reached a possible agreement on OWI reform legislation.
The proposed deal would make 4th offense drunk driving a felony, require ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders, and expands treatment programs. [Read more...]
Speaker moves quickly on Wood expulsion
October 26, 2009 By
The Assembly Speaker is moving quickly to discuss the fate of a five-time OWI lawmaker.
The process to form a committee is underway, to consider the expulsion of Representative Jeff Wood (I-Chippewa Falls), who was arrested last week for OWI — his fifth such arrest. State Representative Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville) says he has already spoken with Minority Leader Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) in hopes of deciding membership of the Special Committee on Ethics and Standards.
“Yeah, we’re gonna be rolling this thing out very quickly.” Sheridan says driving under the influence “is a very serious issue.”
Wood said in a statement last week that he would not seek reelection, however there was no mention of resigning. Sheridan says Wood needs to get his act together, and this newly-formed committee will look at all the options. [Read more...]
Five time OWIer won’t seek reelection
October 23, 2009 By
State Representative Jeff Wood (I-Chippewa Falls) apologizes for his behavior and says he will not seek re-election in the state Assembly next year. In a statement, the Chippewa Falls Independent says that he plans “to focus on recovery.”
Wood explains, he’s been in an inpatient treatment facility for the past three weeks when his roommate unexpectedly left the program and Wood went to find him, but had taken more medication than was prescribed.
Wood was arrested that afternoon on suspicion of OWI. [Read more...]
Assembly approves OWI reforms
September 17, 2009 By
Increased penalties for drunk drivers have unanimously cleared the state Assembly.
On a 95-0 vote Thursday, the Assembly approved legislation that makes 4th offense OWI a felony, expands treatment programs, and requires repeat offenders to have ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles.
State Representative Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis), a sponsor of the measure, says it’s a comprehensive bill that tries to address a problem in Wisconsin. While he admits it may not go as far as some anti-drunk driving groups wants, he believes it will start the process of passing additional reforms in the Legislature.
During debate in the Assembly, several lawmakers reflected on loved ones killed by drunk drivers. State Representative Kim Hixson (D-Whitewater) remembered losing his girlfriend at the age of 18. He says it seems so unfair that she missed out on all the joys of life because someone acted irresponsibly and got behind the wheel after drinking.
State Representative Louis Molepske (D-Stevens Point) says the bill addresses an issue that touches every Wisconsin county, with thousands of OWI arrests in the state each year.
The bill now heads to the state Senate.
