FRANKFORT, Ky. — A bill aimed at getting tough on drunken drivers passed a House committee Tuesday and heads to the full House for consideration.

House Bill 58, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder, passed the Appropriations and Revenue Committee 22-0.

The measure would prevent individuals convicted of drunken driving from being able to start their cars if they’ve been drinking through use of an ignition lock.

Current Kentucky law allows judges to order installation of the devices on an individual’s cars if he or she has at least two DUI convictions. But, according to Mothers Against Drunken Driving, that almost never happens.

The measure would require installation of the devices, which test the driver’s breath for blood-alcohol content before unlocking the ignition, for all first-time convicted offenders.

“We know that interlocks stop the offender from driving their vehicle while drunk and prevent future offenses,” said Laura Dean-Mooney, MADD national president, in a statement.

Kentucky would become the 13th state to require the use of the devices, Keene said.

A similar measure passed the House last year but died in the Senate, where some members were concerned the law would create a cottage industry in which only one or two manufacturers would provide the device.

It’s unclear whether the measure has better chances in the Senate this year, but 58 House members have co-sponsored the bill.

Proponents have scheduled a rally in support of the bill for 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the Capitol Rotunda.

If you are in need of a Kentucky DUI Attorney check the Kentucky Lawyer Online Directory.

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