Wisconsin Senate To Consider Tougher Drunken Driving Penalties

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Senate is set to vote on two bills that would stiffen drunken driving penalties and potentially generate millions of dollars in new prison costs.

The first bill would establish a mandatory minimum five-year sentence for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. State prison officials estimate the change would cost them $525,100 in operating costs annually.

The Assembly passed the bill in June. Senate approval would send the proposal to Gov. Tony Evers.

The other bill would increase the minimum time in prison for a 5th or 6th offense from six months to 18 months. Prison officials estimate the change would generate $13.6 million in additional operating costs annually.

Senate approval would send the bill to the Assembly.