Tougher DWI enforcement bill moves forward

Legislation to require convicted drunken drivers to use breath-activated ignition systems on their cars has cleared another Minnesota Senate committee.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is pushing the technology requirement for all DWI offenders. The Senate measure would make the interlock device optional for first-time offenders with lower blood alcohol levels.

State Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, told members of the Judiciary Budget Division Tuesday that the bill will make sure only sober, compliant drivers are behind the wheel.

"People are tired of picking up the paper day in and day out and reading that a drunk driver killed a family of four or killed the bread winner of a family or whatever it might be," he said.

The bill now goes to the Senate finance committee. A House version of the bill is also nearing final action.