Current Kansas DUI law requires the devices for repeat drunk driving offenders. The new law will require them for even first offenders. Proponents say the approach will reduce DUI related accidents, citing reported lower death rates in states that have enacted similar laws. Opponents of the law, like the American Beverage Institute, say that the law makes no distinction between the social drinker who had one sip beyond the legal limit for intoxication and the average chronic drunk driver who usually has a BAC twice the legal limit. The ABI says the focus should be on identifying and treating the hard-core alcohol abusers who are repeat drunk driving offenders.

An ignition interlock device costs about a $1000 a year to install and maintain. The cost is paid for by the motorist.

The measure is expected to be passed out of committee for consideration by the full Kansas House. It is one of several Kansas DUI measures being considered by the legislature.

Have you been arrested for drunk driving in KS?

Mary Ann Khoury, who runs the DUI Victim Center in Wichita, says the sentence is about safety and education. “I think the community wants to know who the drunk drivers are on our roads.â€

Mollenelli agrees he should pay for what he’s done, and calls his sentence “fair.†He says he hopes it will help other people learn from his mistakes. Yost wouldn’t comment on the sentence, but from the bench he said Mollenelli would benefit from a daily reminder of his probation. If Mollenelli doesn’t use the sticker when driving, his probation will be revoked and he’ll serve a year behind bars.