Senate Passes Legislation That Would Increase Penalties For Repeat Drunk Drivers

New York State Senator Thomas P. Morahanannounced Senate passage of the Bill Leaf-Brandi Woods Law, which would increase penalties for certain vehicular crimes committed by persons who have previously been convicted on one or more occasions of an alcohol or drug related driving while intoxicated charge or driving while ability impaired charge.

The legislation is named for 25 year old Bill Leaf, a prominent Syracuse area reporter and sports anchor who will killed by a drunk driver traveling the wrong way on Interstate 81 and Brandi Woods, a 15 year old girl from Memphis, New York who was delivering Girl Scout cookies when she was struck and killed by a drunk driver. Both drivers had a history of drunk driving offenses.

"By passing this law we are sending a strong message that we will not tolerate repeated drinking and driving offenses, and that if an individual continues to make irresponsible choices there will be serious consequences," said Senator Morahan.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

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