Committee approves changes to DUI laws

The Transportation Interim Committee approved proposed changes Wednesday to the state's drunk driving laws that could make it tougher for a person convicted of driving under the influence to have their criminal records wiped clean.

Currently, those charged with DUI can negotiate with prosecutors a plea in abeyance in which the DUI conviction is wiped from their record if they complete treatment and do not reoffend. The changes proposed Wednesday require people who plea in abeyance to instead get a conviction of impaired driving, which is a lesser offense than DUI but still a crime, said Sen. Carlene Walker, R-Salt Lake City.

"We thought (current law) may be a little too lenient and the legislators wanted that to change," said Walker, a member of a DUI committee with police, attorneys, and representatives of the courts and state agencies.

The proposed changes, when presented during the general session, will be sponsored by Sen. Sheldon Kilpack, R-Syracuse, Walker said.

— Laura Hancock