Drunken drivers with a blood-alcohol level nearing double the legal limit would face stiffer penalties under a bill advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

Drivers with a blood-alcohol level of 0.15 or higher would have to install an "interlock" system in their vehicles. The systems would force drivers to blow into them before starting their cars. The cars would not start if the drivers were intoxicated.

Drivers also would spend a mandatory 24 hours in jail and could spend up to six months there.

"I think it's a great first step," said Donna Hawkins, executive director of the state chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.

The legislation would do away with mandatory jail time for those convicted of DUI with blood alcohol levels between 0.08 (the state's legal limit) and 0.15. However, those drivers still could be sentenced to up to six months in jail.

Hawkins said similar provisions enacted in New Mexico cut alcohol-related driving deaths by 12 percent and accidents by 26 percent.

The bill also would require blood tests for drivers involved in deadly accidents.

Judiciary Committee members recommended passage of the legislation (SB535), with some changes, after a lengthy discussion.

Also Wednesday, the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee amended, and maybe killed, Gov. Joe Manchin's bill (SB216) that would have ended a state tax break given firms drilling for coal mine methane gas.

"I think the amendment guts the bill," Sen. Jon Blair Hunter, D-Monongalia, said.

As proposed by Manchin, the legislation would have ended the 10-year tax exemption - set to expire in 2011 - this year. Industry officials said that would bring the state at least an additional $8 million to $9 million annually.

Drunken drivers with a blood-alcohol level nearing double the legal limit would face stiffer penalties under a bill advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

Drivers with a blood-alcohol level of 0.15 or higher would have to install an "interlock" system in their vehicles. The systems would force drivers to blow into them before starting their cars. The cars would not start if the drivers were intoxicated.

Drivers also would spend a mandatory 24 hours in jail and could spend up to six months there.

"I think it's a great first step," said Donna Hawkins, executive director of the state chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.

The legislation would do away with mandatory jail time for those convicted of DUI with blood alcohol levels between 0.08 (the state's legal limit) and 0.15. However, those drivers still could be sentenced to up to six months in jail.

Hawkins said similar provisions enacted in New Mexico cut alcohol-related driving deaths by 12 percent and accidents by 26 percent.

The bill also would require blood tests for drivers involved in deadly accidents.

Judiciary Committee members recommended passage of the legislation (SB535), with some changes, after a lengthy discussion.

Also Wednesday, the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee amended, and maybe killed, Gov. Joe Manchin's bill (SB216) that would have ended a state tax break given firms drilling for coal mine methane gas.

"I think the amendment guts the bill," Sen. Jon Blair Hunter, D-Monongalia, said.

As proposed by Manchin, the legislation would have ended the 10-year tax exemption - set to expire in 2011 - this year. Industry officials said that would bring the state at least an additional $8 million to $9 million annually.

Under the exemption, each well receives the tax break for five years. But firms can first claim a permit, which gives them up to two more years before drilling begins.

Manchin's proposal would not take away any existing well's five-year tax exemption. Industry officials said there are currently 499 of the wells in the state, mainly in the south. There are more than 50,000 oil or gas wells in West Virginia, they said.

But Sen. Mike Green, D-Raleigh, successfully amended the legislation to allow companies to claim permits until the end of June.

With six more months to claim permits, then two additional years before having to drill and five years after that with the tax exemption, Hunter said it does "away with the effect of the bill."

Manchin has argued the tax exemption is no longer necessary because of large profits companies have been making.

The legislation now goes to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

The Judiciary Committee also recommended two other bills. One (SB145) would codify state court rulings that allow people to defend themselves with deadly force if another person intrudes into their residence.

"It is the intention of the bill to do nothing more than codify West Virginia common law," said committee counsel Tom Smith.

The other (SB291) would add circuit judges to three areas. Smith said his understanding was the governor's office had agreed to the new judgeships.

The bill would add judges in September for Mercer County, Wayne County and the judicial circuit that includes Pendleton, Hardy and Hampshire counties. It also goes to the Finance Committee.

To contact staff writer Tom Searls, use e-mail or call 348-5198.