We Need Your Help

To all those individuals out there who have shown support for our attempts to change OWI laws in the state of Wisconsin, and have emailed your local representatives demanding change, we are asking that you consider testifying against a comprehensive package of OWI bills that are being introduced next Tuesday before a public hearing. Some of the provisions of this package are in direct conflict with our efforts to substantively change current law.

A Public Hearing will take place on TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2009 at 12:30 p.m., at State Fair Park, West Allis. Tony Staskunas, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, is holding the hearing. Members of his committee include: Rep. Ziegelbauer, Rep. Cullen, Rep. J. Smith, Rep. Berceau, Rep. Bies. Rep. A. Ott and Rep. Nerison. We are asking that all of you consider testifying AGAINST this package of bills.

As a family, we are outraged that a watered down version of a comprehensive bill is being offered by various Assemblymen. In their attempt to push through legislation with no significant deterrent value, they can declare they have listened to and heard their constituency. Do the politicians of this state think the residents of this state are willing to settle for something rather than tackling the tough issues and making substantive change? They have developed this omnibus legislation but have shown little political will to address the core issues. Essentially, this group of legislators has taken a step sideways. They have not addressed criminalizing the 1st offense, lifting the ban on sobriety checkpoints, mandatory minimum sentences beginning with the 1st offense and/or the educational component of a comprehensive bill. This legislation is being tacked on to AB (Assembly Bill) 283.

The following are highlights of this proposed legislation:

  • Mandatory Ignition Interlock Devices - no objection to this point as it advocates mandatory IID's for all repeat offenders.
  • Blood alcohol concentrations of 0.02, for persons with 3+ OWI offenses, will be the standard and will be mandated for a 2 year period of time - no real objection to this point.
  • Closing the .08-.99 Loophole - We favor this provision. Essentially the 1st time offender, with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 and above would now be required to pay penalty surcharges, court fees and/or drug and alcohol assessments, which is not the case at the present time.
  • FOURTH OWI - FELONY CHARGE - not only does this end talk of making the 3rd offense a felony, it would only allow a 5-year look back of previous OWI offenses. ** We strongly object to this provision.
  • SAFE Streets Treatment Options Program -We object to this item, in that repeat offenders will be allowed back on the streets while in treatment. Many of you know that Mark Benson was allowed on the streets while he underwent drug and alcohol treatment. And although treatment must be included in a comprehensive package, treatment should take place while incarcerated.
  • Extending the period of revocation ; tolling OAR/OAS while incarcerated, to resume after release- no objection to this point
  • Penalty enhancer for causing injury - no objection to this point
  • Repeat offender absolute sobriety - no objection to this point.

This package can be viewed in its entirety online: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/AB283.html

See attached links to learn more about reactions to this legislation:

D.A.Worries Drunk-driving Bill is "Feel-Good" Legislation

Legislators Streamline Drunk-driving Bills

Critics Rip Politics of Drunken Driving by Steve Walters, Journal Sentinel

Our work group continues to work on legislation of substantive value, primarily focusing on criminalizing the 1st offense, mandatory minimum sentences for all offenses and lifting the state prohibition on sobriety checkpoints. We feel education and treatment are important components of changing the culture of this state. Our goal is, and always has been, deterrence and making the roads safer for all of us.

Thanks to any and all of you that can make time in your busy schedules to appear before this Assembly Committee to testify on Tuesday, 6/2/09. It feels odd asking supporters of new legislation to testify AGAINST this proposed legislation; but in this case, the proposals are eye wash, regressive and more ado about nothing of substance. We appreciate your continued support. Thank you.

Judy & Paul Jenkins, Jennifer's Parents

The hearing: Tuesday, 6/2/09 - 12:30 p.m.
State Fair Park
TGT Youth Center - Banquet Room 2
640 South 84th Street
West Allis