A legislative committee has approved a half dozen measures that would impose tougher sanctions on drunken drivers.
One of the bills would make the first offense a crime, if a driver's blood alcohol content is .15 or above. Currently, first offenders are issued municipal tickets.
Another measure would make the third offense a felony.
The panel also approved bills imposing mandatory sentences for drunken drivers who injure or kill someone and allowing authorities to seize offenders' vehicles.
The Assembly Judiciary committee passed the legislation Thursday, clearing the way for a vote in the full Assembly.
Critics say the bills carry hefty price tags.