Tougher penalties for multiple DUIs among new Colorado laws

Colorado will begin punishing habitual drunken drivers with felonies and longer prison sentences. The new law is among dozens taking effect Aug. 5.

Now a fourth DUI conviction will be punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of as much as $500,000. Previously, repeat drunken drivers were only charged with misdemeanors with up to a year in jail.

Law enforcement agencies will also have access to records of misconduct for officers they want to hire. The legislation is part of a package of measures in response to allegations of wrongdoing by police nationally and in the state.

Another measure begins phasing out microbeads by 2020. The tiny plastic particles found in soaps and cosmetic products are too fine to be caught in wastewater treatment plants and can pollute lakes and rivers.