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Ahern tells MADD
supporters that work is not done
'State needs
to get serious
about repeat drunk drivers,' Spokane lawmaker
says
Rep. John Ahern,
R-Spokane, spoke to a gathering of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD)
supporters yesterday.
"I'm pleased to see
the governor finally follow the lead of Republicans since we've been
tough on crime the last few years. It's time to make it even harder to
get behind a wheel when it's proven someone is a habitual drunk driver,"
Ahern said.
Ahern has also spoken with Democratic colleagues
and urged them to hold a hearing on
House Bill 1191, a measure he introduced that would tighten up
current law for offenders with three driving under the influence (DUI)
convictions or more.
After the rally, a Democratic colleague assured Ahern his bill would get
a hearing.
"I'm dedicated to getting
drunk drivers off the road," Ahern said. "Too many innocent lives have
been taken. Too many signs have gone up in memory of
loved ones killed."
Ahern is especially
motivated by the story of one of his constituents, Anita Kronvoll.
Kronvoll's daughter Carla was killed six years ago by a drunk driver
with previous convictions.
In 2006, Ahern was
successful in passing
House Bill 3317, which makes it a felony to drive under the
influence when a person has four or more prior convictions. Since the
law became effective in July 2007, through the end of 2007, 14 people were charged with felony DUI that otherwise would have been charged with
a gross misdemeanor. If a person commits a felony DUI under this year's
bill, they are guaranteed a year in prison, and will be required to
report their felony conviction to potential employers.
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For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
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