This morning Michigan Governor Rick Snyder was presented with HBs 4920-4924, bills that would give municipal attorneys the authority to prosecute “super drunk” driving offenses.

The bills passed the Michigan Senate unanimously last week.

In October 2009 the new “super drunk” driving laws became effective. The law raises the penalty for operating while intoxicated from 93 days to 180 days and the fine from maximum $500-700 if blood alcohol content is .17 or higher.

Municipal attorneys currently do not have authority to prosecute offenses with penalties greater than 93 days. This bills would give that authority.

The Governor will sign the bills in the next few weeks.

Samantha Harkins works for the Michigan Municipal League handling municipal services and energy & technology issues.  She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at [email protected]