STATEHOUSE (March 16, 2010) - Beginning July 1, 2010, drunken drivers will face stiffer penalties thanks to legislation authored by State Sen. Allen Paul (R-Richmond) and recently signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Senate Enrolled Act 71, known by many supporters as Drew’s Law, changes Indiana’s existing involuntary manslaughter laws to classify the killing of a fetus as a result of driving drunk a Class D felony - a crime punishable by up to six months in prison.

“Motorists who choose to drive drunk and harm innocent lives while doing so should be held accountable for their irresponsible decisions,” Paul said. “Indiana will join several other states, including Ohio, where penalties against drunken drivers increase if they cause the death of a fetus.”

Paul said lawmakers from both houses showed their unanimous support for SEA 71 after hearing the tragic story of how Danielle Steinberger Brookshire lost her unborn son, Drew, in a 2007 car crash believed to be caused by a drunken driver.

One day after receiving the bill from lawmakers, Paul said Daniels signed the measure into law.

Paul expressed his thanks to Brookshire, her family and Wayne County Prosecutor Michael Shipman for their help in crafting the law.

“I appreciate the time and effort they gave in helping create this law,” Paul said. “Because of Danielle’s courage and Prosecutor Shipman’s assistance in writing this bill, another family may be protected from going through a similar, tragic situation.”

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