Bill targets repeat drunken-driving offenders

State lawmakers are stepping up efforts to curb drunken driving, with plans to advance legislation that would get tough on repeat offenders and a separate campaign to educate teens about the dangers of underage drinking.

Today, the House is expected to take up a bill proposing tougher punishments for repeat drunk drivers. If passed, the legislation would require them to install ignition-locking devices in their cars at their own expense. The devices force drivers to take and pass a breath-analysis test before the car will start. Further readings must be recorded throughout the trip to ensure the driver has not been drinking.

At present, only those operating under conditional licenses are required to have the devices installed.

In addition, the standards for hardship licenses would be strengthened. Repeat offenders would have their driver's licenses suspended for a minimum of one year before they are eligible for a hardship license.

The current legislation allows a hardship license after one month. The period of mandatory license suspension was also extended from one year to 18 months.

Under the new standards, repeat offenders could also be made to take compulsory alcohol and drug tests and undergo treatment for addiction, as a condition of probation.

''Massachusetts was one of the most lenient states in the country a year ago," Representative James Vallee, a Franklin Democrat, told the Associated Press. ''After we pass this we will have one of the toughest drunk driving statutes."

Senate President Robert Travaglini was also expected to take a hard line on drinking today, as he planned to announce a new campaign to fight underage drinking.

A multimedia program, sponsored by Partners Health Care and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, will provide parents with tips on how they can discuss underage drinking with their children. Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.