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.
State Senator Jim Sullivan (D-Wauwatosa) expects lawmakers to vote on the bill next week, when they return for an extraordinary session.
Lawmakers adjourned this fall because of differences in the bill from both chambers over how to fund the proposal. State Representative Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis) says the compromise will pay for the reforms by increasing fees for offenders to have their drivers license reinstated and for processing criminal cases.
Lawmakers had proposed raising taxes on hard liquor to pay for increased enforcement, but Staskunas says that proposal was dropped in the compromise. He says offenders should be covering the higher costs of tougher penalties, rather than taxpayers.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:09)
