Mass. Officials Propose Drunken Driving Law Change

Three Massachusetts officials say they will try to close what they call a loophole in state drunken driving law.

The Supreme Judicial Court ruled Thursday that motorists who admit there's enough evidence for drunken driving conviction but aren't technically convicted are not subject to certain increased penalties.

State Attorney General Martha Coakley, Democratic state Sen. Katherine Clark of Melrose and House Judiciary Chairman Eugene L. O'Flaherty said Sunday they have proposed to amend the definition of a conviction to include those who admit to sufficient facts for a finding of guilty.

Their proposal also would consider as a first offense, for purposes of refusing a breath test, situations in which an individual has been referred to an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program as a result of a previous prosecution for operating while under the influence.