STATE HOUSE: MADD names SC legislative champions

Mothers Against Drunk Driving named seven S.C. lawmakers as its 2013 Legislative Champions.

The winners were: Sens. Joel Lourie, D-Richalnd; Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg; and Larry Martin, R-Pickens; and Reps. Eddie Tallon, R-Spartanburg, Todd Atwater, Rick Quinn, and Kit Spires. all R-Lexington.

Most of the legislators were recognized for their work to advance Emma’s Law (S. 137) that would require driving-under-the-influence offenders with a blood-alcohol level of .12 or greater to use a mechanism that tests their breath for traces of alcohol before a car starts.

Tallon also was honored for authoring a bill (H. 3191) that would create penalties for driving under the influence on a moped.

“MADD thanks Sen. Lourie for authoring Emma’s Law. And, we thank all of these legislative champions for their vocal support of Emma’s Law, said MADD National President Jan Withers. said in a statement. "MADD appreciates their tireless work and commitment to advancing MADD’s mission in South Carolina by promoting effective DUI countermeasures like ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers,”

This story was originally published November 19, 2013 at 11:22 AM with the headline "STATE HOUSE: MADD names SC legislative champions."