Rep. Sherman Mack Files Bill After Losing Best Friend

A lawmaker motivated by the death of his best friend is seeing his bill make its way through the legislature.

Representative Sherman Mack says his best friend was killed by a drunk driver who was charged with his 3rd-offense DWI. Mack's bill would amp up penalties imposed for 2nd-offense DWI by putting in place a mandatory 30-day jail sentence, if it happened within a year of the previous 1st offense. He says that time behind bars would be a good deterrent to ever driving drunk again.

The legislation heads to the Louisiana House floor after passing the House Criminal Justice Committee.

Also on its way to the Louisiana House floor is a bill that calls for the merging of Louisiana's pardon and parole boards.  The measure cleared the House Criminal Justice Committee Wednesday.  It is estimated the merger could save the state close to $400,000 a year.