STATEHOUSE (Feb. 17, 2010) - House committee members unanimously approved legislation today stiffening penalties against drunken drivers, said State Sen. Allen Paul (R-Richmond).

Members of the House Committee on Courts & Criminal Code passed Senate Bill 71, authored by Paul, by a vote of 7-0. 

“I am grateful the committee agreed that this type of legislation is needed to improve Indiana’s drunken driving laws,” Paul said.

Paul said motivation behind the bill came from Wayne County constituent Danielle Steinberger Brookshire. In 2007, Brookshire lost her unborn son in a car crash believed to be caused by a drunken driver. According to police reports, the driver walked away with only minor injuries and a traffic ticket. Paul, convinced changes in current state law should be made, worked with Brookshire and Wayne County Prosecutor Michael Shipman on the bill’s language and affectionately named it after Brookshire’s lost son - Drew.

“Lawmakers took the chance to make a significant impact in the law to deter people from driving drunk so that we can prevent other Hoosiers from going through the same tragic situation the Brookshire family experienced,” Paul said. “They should be applauded for their efforts and I am optimistic the bill will receive similar support by the full House.”

Paul said SB 71 would amend the existing involuntary manslaughter laws to classify the killing of a fetus as a result of driving drunk a Class D felony.

Paul’s bill now moves to the full House for further consideration.

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Senator Paul represents Senate District 27, which includes Jay, Randolph and Wayne Counties.