Missouri senators have tentatively approved legislation for tougher drunk driving laws for repeat offenders. With recent first-round approval of Senate Bill 443, the pending legislation could be sent to the House of Representatives for a vote within weeks.

If the bill is passed by lawmakers, it will pave a harsher standard for drivers convicted of multiple DWI or DUI offenses. Drivers with revoked licenses may not be granted privileges by judges for special driving circumstances, such as seeking medical treatment or driving back and forth to work or school.

Under current law, convicted drivers have been granted the right by the court to drive within certain time frames in order to go to work, school, seek medical treatment, or to and from an ignition interlock device check or other court required services. The new legislation would also remove a judge's right to grant any special driving privileges not already approved by federal law. Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, sponsor of the bill, said that current law is out of sync with federal DWI laws and that the passage of SB 443 will align Missouri with current federal mandates and make the state eligible for additional highway funds.

The proposed legislation will also increase the number of days a convicted drunk driver would initially lose his or her license. Under current law, offenders must wait 30 days before applying for limited driving privileges. If approved, the bill will increase that waiting period to 45 days.

The bill requires an additional vote and approval of the Senate before being sent to the House for final approval.

Source: Missouri News Horizon, "Harsher DWI restrictions get first-found approval" Jan. 20, 2012