Did lawmakers miss the boat on OWI penalties?

Wisconsin has a new law against drunk driving coming on the books Thursday, but a state lawmaker says more needs to be done still. State Representative Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) also says lawmakers missed an opportunity to do more when, earlier this year, they refused...

Safe Ride programs could get funding boost

In communities across the state, Safe Ride programs offer an easy way to get home for bar patrons who have had too much to drink. State Senator Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) says the initiative helps customers avoid becoming a drunk driving statistic, with nearly 54,000...

Governor set to sign OWI bill

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...

Victim’s father critical of OWI reforms

The father of a Schofield girl killed by a drunken driver wants to see even tougher laws. Steve Meinel says the law passed Wednesday doesn’t go far enough and is disappointed that lawmakers haven’t done more to address the problem. The bill passed by...

OWI bill goes to governor for signature

It’s not everything he wants in drunk driving legislation, but Governor Jim Doyle is eager to crack down on people who drive in Wisconsin under the influence of alcohol. “I really want to give credit to the legislators that have worked this out and come to...

Lawmakers approve OWI reforms

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. State Representative Tony...

Deal reached on OWI reforms

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...

Speaker moves quickly on Wood expulsion

The Assembly Speaker is moving quickly to discuss the fate of a five-time OWI lawmaker. The process to form a committee is under way, to consider the expulsion of Representative Jeff Wood (I-Chippewa Falls), who was arrested last week for OWI — his fifth such...

Five time OWIer won’t seek reelection

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,...

Assembly approves OWI reforms

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...

Assembly to vote on OWI reforms

Lawmakers have been under increasing pressure in recent months to go after drivers who repeatedly get behind the wheel after drinking. It’s a message those at the Capitol have heard loud and clear, according to State Representative Donna Seidel (D-Wausau). The...

Questions over sobriety checkpoints

As state legislators prepare to pass tougher laws on drunk driving in their fall session, there’s apparently one controversy they’ll steer away from. That would be legalizing sobriety checkpoints, where cops pull over drivers at random to see if...

Assembly could act quickly on OWI reforms

The Assembly will return to the Capitol in September to vote on a number of bills that have piled up over the summer, and Democratic Speaker Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville) says one of their top priorities will to be to reform the state’s drunk driving laws....