Senate OKs bill to seize vehicles of repeat DUI offenders

Call it "two strikes and you're walking."

The Senate gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would allow courts to seize the vehicle of anyone caught driving under the influence with a license that has been suspended for a prior DUI conviction.

HB151, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Herrod, R-Provo, was passed unanimously in the House last month.

The bill's Senate sponsor, Sheldon Killpack, R-Syracuse, called the measure a "very important bill" and told lawmakers he had lost a family member to a drunk driver.

Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, said this is exactly the type of legislation those who advocate for "more normal looking" liquor laws in the state repeatedly say lawmakers should focus on — more strident punishments for those who violate existing laws.

There is an exemption in the proposal if the person arrested for a second DUI is driving a vehicle that doesn't belong to him or her.