Governor Sanford Issues Statement on DUI Bill Agreement

Statement

Governor Sanford Issues Statement on DUI Bill Agreement

GOVERNOR THANKS HOUSE FOR RE-STRENGTHENING BILL, URGES SENATE TO CONCUR WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS

Governor Mark Sanford today issued the following statement on the conference committee's agreement on a bill aimed at toughening the state's DUI laws, which the governor called for in his State of the State address as part of his "First 30 Days Agenda."

"First off, I want to thank the House conferees, especially Murrell Smith, and Senator Larry Martin for holding firm against attempts to weaken penalties and add loopholes to this bill - and as well I'd thank folks in law enforcement like Solicitor Trey Gowdy for making their voices heard on this front," Gov. Sanford said. "While this bill doesn't go as far as we'd ideally like, we believe it will send a clear message to drunk drivers that we're serious about tougher punishments, as well as send a clear message to law enforcement that we're serious about giving them the tools they need to keep people safe. The bottom line is that this bill represents a real and very important step forward in making our roadways safer in South Carolina, and as a consequence, I would again thank all those who worked so hard to bring us to this point."

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