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Penalty for Drinking and Driving Increased in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) – People who drive drunk will face stiffer penalties and will be required to use interlock devices on their vehicles under a bill approved by the Kansas Legislature.

The bill passed both chambers with unanimous votes Thursday and awaits Gov. Sam Brownback’s signature.

The bill also will create a central repository to help law enforcement keep better records of repeat DUI offenders.

Some representatives raised concerns that the bill removes a requirement that drivers permanently lose their licenses for five or more DUI convictions. But supporters say people drive drunk with or without a license.

The central repository will address concerns that prosecutors often don’t know if a driver has multiple DUI convictions. That has led to some offenders not being charged with the right offenses or getting light sentences.

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