Legislature approves stricter DUI penalty

    The Wyoming legislature has approved a bill that would increasethe length of time someone could serve in prison for a fourth driving-under-the-influence conviction.  It would raise the maximum amount of time someone can serve in prison from two to seven years.

During final discussion on the bill, the Senate argued over whether this was going too far.  But a number of Senators defended the measure, saying that people who continue to drink and drive are a hazard. 

Democrat Chris Rothfuss of Laramie says protecting the public should be a goal.

“I agree we need to find some solutions that allow us to address the addiction, allow us to rehabilitate, but I would hope we would be able to do that on those  first three strikes.  I think when we have gotten to that fourth strike, it’s not just rehabilitation we are looking for.  It’s protection for the public from these dangerous individuals.”

Senator Charles Scott expressed concern about the direction the state has been heading in strengthening DUI laws. 

The bill now heads to the governor for his signature.