'Zero tolerance' DUI bill moves to House floor

A "zero tolerance" DUI bill that would increase penalties for repeat drunken drivers is one step closer to becoming law.

SB42 passed out of the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday and will move on for debate on the House floor.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Carlene Walker, R-Cottonwood Heights, would make it a class B misdemeanor for any previous DUI offender to have any measurable amount of alcohol in their system while driving.

Speaking to the committee, Walker said her amended "Alcohol Restricted Drivers" bill would require that first-time DUI offenders drive without any measurable amount of alcohol for a two-year period, while repeat offenders would be 10 years. Those convicted of felony DUI would face a life-time restriction.

Walker said studies have shown that repeat DUI offenders make up 46 percent of all DUIs. Passing her bill, she said, would save lives.