Felony DUI bill advances in Colorado Senate

Habitual drunken drivers would face felony charges in Colorado with a measure given initial approval in the state Senate.

The bill would make a fourth DUI a felony punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of as much as $500,000. Senators gave unanimous approval to the measure on a voice vote on Tuesday, setting up a final vote Wednesday.

Colorado is among five states where drunken drivers face only misdemeanor charges, even after repeated convictions.

Lawmakers have tried for several years to pass a felony DUI law. But they’ve been concerned about increased costs for the judicial and corrections departments.