Bill to tighten DUI law ready for signature

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Senate has passed an Assembly-approved bill that would tighten state laws to ensure that people convicted of drunken driving in urban areas attend meetings with victims or family or close friends of DUI victims.

Nevada Senate members voted 21-0 for Assembly Bill 209.

Under the measure, now on its way to Gov. Jim Gibbons, victim-impact sessions must be part of the process, along with fines, possible jail time and other penalties, that drunken drivers undergo so that they don't continue to drink and drive.

Sandy Heverly of Las Vegas-based STOP DUI said the bill makes it clear that people convicted of driving under the influence must attend the victim-impact sessions rather than be allowed by judges to watch an online video aimed at stopping drunken driving.