Backers of a bill designed to crack down on repeat drunk drivers say members of a House committee gutted key portions of the bill, which is scheduled for debate in the House today.
The legislation, known as Melanie's Bill, would increase penalties for driving under the influence and close loopholes that allow repeat offenders to sidestep criminal charges, supporters say. The bill is named for 13-year-old Melanie Powell, who was struck and killed by a repeat drunk driver in July 2003.
Powell's grandfather, Ron Bersani, said at a news conference that the House Judiciary Committee deleted important sections of the bill.
One would have required mandatory jail time for drivers caught operating without a license after being suspended for drunken driving. Another would have let prosecutors charge anyone caught driving drunk with a child in the car with child endangerment.
Other sections would have created new crimes, including aggravated drunken driving and manslaughter by motor vehicle.
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