The Senate Judiciary Committee today (WED) heard from supporters of a bill that would toughen penalties for drunk driving. The bill would increase punishment for refusing a breath test and for repeat offenders. Some critics have argued the harsher penalties could clog local jails with DUI offenders. Frank Harris, with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, disagrees. He says the state has diversion options, instead of jail time, for first time offenders.
Harris says drunk-driving deaths nationwide have been falling, but in the last 5 years the rate has been increasing in Kansas.