The South Carolina Congress amended key penalties in a bill aimed at toughening the state’s drunk driving laws, which Gov. Mark Sanford called for in his state of the state address as part of his “First 30 Days Agenda.”
Last week, the House amended the bill, H.3496, back to the original version, that the Senate had sought to weaken.
The House proposal puts penalties for refusing a breath test at six months, up from the current 90 days that the Senate had sought to leave unchanged. The House also proposed a stronger tiered penalty system for first-time offenders, toughening penalties tied to greater blood alcohol levels that the Senate had watered down.
Upon passage of the bill, Sanford praised the House action.
“This law is about sending a clear message to drunk drivers that we’re serious about tougher punishments, as well as sending a clear message to law enforcement that we’re serious about giving them the tools they need to keep people safe – and to that end, I want to give the House, and Rep. Murrell Smith in particular, real credit for strengthening this bill.”
He urged the Senate to stick with the tougher version.
“My message to the Senate is simply this – show the people of South Carolina that you’re serious about cracking down on DUI, and agree with the House changes without any further delay. Get this bill to my desk as soon as possible so that we can take this important step toward impacting the daily carnage on our roads.”
Source: Office of the Governor of South Carolina
Topics Personal Auto South Carolina
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