STATEHOUSE (Feb. 25, 2010) - Drew’s Bill moved one step closer to becoming law after House legislator overwhelming today passed the piece of legislation, State Sen. Allen Paul (R-Richmond) said.

With 97 House lawmakers voting in support of the measure, Senate Bill 71 was approved and sent on its passage to the governor’s desk for further consideration.

“I am delighted and grateful this bill will now go before Gov. Daniels for further consideration,” Paul said. “Lawmakers in both Houses worked together to create a bill focused on deterring people from driving drunk and helping prevent Hoosiers from going through the same tragic situation the Brookshire family experienced three years ago.”

In 2007, Wayne County resident Danielle Steinberger Brookshire lost her unborn son in a car crash believed to be caused by a drunken driver. As a result of the crash, Brookshire suffered two broken arms, a broken hip, two fractured femur bones, two broken ankles and a shattered knee. The driver in the case, walked away with only minor injuries and a traffic ticket, according to police reports.

Paul, convinced changes in current state law should be made, worked with Brookshire and Wayne County Prosecutor Michael Shipman on the legislation to stiffen penalties against drunken drivers. Paul affectionately named the legislation after Brookshire’s lost son - Drew.

Under the proposed language, 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.

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