Edmonds Representative Wants Increased DUI Prevention

There's a simple reason why Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) wants to increase penalties for drunken-driving in Washington state.

"I want to ensure that our state is doing everything we can to prevent driving under the influence because we know how dangerous this behavior is in our communities," he said.

Liias is the lead sponsor of House Bill 1167, in which the state fee for drunken driving would increase from $125 to $200. A portion of that money would go toward establishing more DUI courts.

"The bill would encourage the use of prevention tools like DUI courts and victim impact panels," said Liias. "It would also provide grant funding for state and local agencies to reduce and prevent driving under the influence."