Several Kentucky House members on Wednesday shared stories about how alcohol abuse has impacted their lives during a debate on legislation related to drunken driving penalties. Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to double the period of time allowable to determine penalties for habitual drunk drivers from five to 10 years.
Wilder Representative Dennis Keene’s daughter was seriously injured in a drunk driving crash. “These are the kinds of things that we need to take a hold of and change people’s lives and fight for the people who can’t talk for themselves because they’re in the grave,” said Keene. “Now, we need to stand up here and quit debating this thing and let’s vote for this bill.”
Keene won support previously for an ignition interlock bill, aimed at keeping drunken drivers from being able to start their vehicles.
Glasgow Representative Johnny Bell told colleagues he’s not sure the change will fully address the problem. “But, five years is a long time, it has worked well and I do not believe changing the look back from five years to ten years will change anything for habitual drunk drivers,” said Bell.
The senate bill passed 98-0 with two people not voting and now heads to Governor Bevin for his signature.
