Drunk drivers may face harsher punishments

Intro:	The first house committee hearing was held on one of the Missouri Governor's biggest issues, cracking down on drunk driving.
RunTime:	0:35
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: This legislation would create strict penalties for drivers who refuse to take a breathalyzer test.

Representative Bryan Stevenson, a Joplin Republican, says his bill makes it better for most drivers to blow.

Actuality:	STEVE2.WAV
Run Time:	00:08
Description: "Refusing to blow would be the higher penalty on suspension, so if you know you had a couple of beers, you're better off blowing."

Stevenson also proposes eliminating the 90 minute rule - the time limit police have to find out if someone is drunk.

Democrats say they're concerned about giving police too much authority in suspected drunk driving cases.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Sami Hall.

Intro:	Drunk drivers would face tougher penalties under a measure that was presented to committee Wednesday.
RunTime:	0:39
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Repeat drunk drivers would face harsher penalties if a bill gains traction in the House Crime Committee.

Representative Bryan Stevenson, a Joplin Republican, says his legislation will make punishments worse for repeat DWI offenders.

Actuality:	STEVE1.WAV
Run Time:	00:07
Description: "You have a graduated scale moving up, so you have a longer suspension the more you repeat and the higher your blood alcohol content."

Republican Representative Scott Lipke of Cape Girardeau County isn't sure new penalties are needed.

Actuality:	LIPKE.WAV
Run Time:	00:07
Description: "Do you have any evidence, statistics, that because of the level of intoxication, that they're more apt to be a repeat offender?"

The committee plans further hearings on the bill.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Sami Hall.

Intro:	St. Louis County Prosecuter was the sole witness at a committee hearing concerning drunk driving.
RunTime:	0:33
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney says local governments that don't provide records about drunk drivers should be fined under new legislation.

If passed, municipalities would have to keep tabs on people who drive drunk.

Prosecutor Bob McCulloch says the requirement would make his job easier.

Actuality:	MCCULLOC.WAV
Run Time:	00:06
Description: "In order for me to prosecute even an A misdemeanor, I have to be able to prove that the guy had the first DWI."

Democratic Representative Jamilah Nasheed from St. Louis said a fine would hurt local governments that are already hurting.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Sami Hall.