Gov. Brian Schweitzer is signing the Legislature's top measure aimed at cracking down on drunken driving.

The so-called "24/7" program was overwhelming endorsed by lawmakers and was backed by Attorney General Steve Bullock.

The program requires repeat DUI offenders to take a breath test twice a day, every day, at their own expense from the time of arrest until their sentence is completed. Supporters say it has proved successful in keeping repeat offenders sober during a pilot project, and costs taxpayers nothing since the offenders pay for the tests.

The lawmakers spent a lot of time looking for ways to enhance penalties after several high-profile deaths in recent years put more attention on the state's annual ranking at or near the top of per-capita drunken driving deaths.

Story from the Associated Press

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM