The Legislation designates drunken driving violations where a motorist registers a 0.15 percent blood alcohol content or higher as “high BAC” offenses and mandates alcohol treatment for those convicted. The legal limit in Michigan is 0.08 percent.

Repeat drunk drivers convicted of a second offense would be required to install an ignition interlock device in their car, which requires a driver to blow into a Breathalyzer before starting the car.

The bills were written by Rep. Bob Constan, D-Dearborn Heights, Rep. Dan Acciavatti, R-Chesterfield Township and Rep. Marc Corriveau, D-Northville.

Acciavatti’s bill, which requires the interlock devices for repeat offenders, passed unanimously while Constan’s and Corriveau’s received more than 85 percent support from representatives.

“I think everyone notices the hole in our current system,” Acciavatti said. “Everyone recognizes the new, innovative approach we’re taking.”

Acciavatti added that the interlock devices allow offenders to maintain a more active lifestyle than under current law, which can revoke a driver’s license for up to seven years.

“I think the benefits are just the progressive approach to how we treat repeat drunk drivers, giving them an option where — yes, they’ve screwed up — but here’s an option while you get treatment and are allowed to function in society when you follow these rules,” he said.

If the Legislation passes through the Senate, Michigan will become one of the last states to enact “high BAC” guidelines.

The bills have gained the support of the Michigan State Police and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD.

“We’re very pleased that the bills were passed and we’re looking forward to the Senate passing them all,” said MADD volunteer victim advocate Jackolyn Brundige. “We’re looking forward to the day, which is expected to be about 10 years from now, when there will be no more drunk driving.”

Andy Deloney, the director of public affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association said that while the association doesn’t condone drunken driving, the bills do not set the bar high enough for “high BAC” offenses. The Michigan Restaurant Association opposes the legislation.

“You ought to create much tougher penalties,” Deloney said. “This bill goes at 0.15 (percent), which isn’t even the average BAC level when people are pulled over for drunk driving.

“They’re trying to create more and more worry in the minds of responsible social drinkers when the true source of the problem are the people who continue to (drive drunk) with no regard for their well-being.”