JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri motorists who kill someone while driving drunk would face more prison time if they have previous DWI convictions under legislation in the House.
The bill by Republican Nick Marshall, of Platte City, would make involuntary manslaughter by a drunken driver with a previous DWI conviction a class A felony. The maximum sentence would rise to 30 years from the current 15 years.
Marshall told a House panel Monday such drivers "should know better" than to drive drunk a second time.
The bill would also require people with drunken driving convictions to purchase more car insurance than other motorists.
Insurance industry officials say people who can't afford the increased coverage would simply drive without insurance.
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DWI penalties bill is HB623
Online:
Legislature: http://moga.mo.gov