Lawmakers plan to discuss the problem of repeat drunk drivers this legislative session, including a bill that would improve the ignition interlock system in Indiana.
Just yesterday, Call 6 Investigates told you about a Brownsburg man who avoided prison time on his 8th conviction.
Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) told Call 6 Investigates Thursday he will file legislation this session aimed at “cleaning up” the ignition interlock process for drunk drivers.
The device requires you to blow into a mouthpiece before starting your vehicle.
Right now, there’s no Indiana law requiring the breathalyzers be installed on a convicted drunk driver’s car.
It’s up to each court and judge to decide whether to order an ignition interlock.
Kruse said right now there are no state rules governing the ignition interlock system which often creates miscommunication.
Under his bill, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute would be in charge of ignition interlocks, and would adopt rules aimed at installation and removal, maintenance and security.
“We would also have them do an ignition interlock security to make sure the drunk driver can’t break it,” said Kruse.
RELATED | CALL 6: Indiana's deadliest DUI hot spots
Last session Kruse introduced legislation that would have required an ignition interlock for drivers who drove drunk with children in the car.
However, the bill failed to get a hearing.
“We have some drunk drivers taking their own kids places when they’re drunk, which I think is terrible,” said Kruse.
Kruse said his fellow lawmakers were reluctant to hear the legislation because the state recently rolled out major revisions to the criminal code for the first time in 30 years.
Sen. Pete Miller (R-Avon) told Call 6 Investigates he’s open to discussing legislation that would require ignition interlocks for convicted drunk drivers.
“It seems like this is a common sense solution that we should use more often than we do,” said Miller. “How can we write the laws accordingly to make that more common? Some level of mandatory sentencing after so many chances is certainly reasonable.”
Miller said lawmakers need input from the court system on the issue of repeat offenders.
“We don’t want to tie your hands, but what can we do to make it less likely someone like this can endanger others?” said Miller.
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