Governor Peter Shumlin has proposed changing the way courts deal with drunken drivers to reduce the rate of repeat offenders.
The state would set up DUI courts, similar to drug courts, in which judges would monitor the treatment of people with second or third DUI offenses and could impose sanctions and rewards.
The goal is to reduce drunken driving by helping impaired drivers overcome their addiction.
Shumlin announced Monday that Robert Sand will leave his job as Windsor County state's attorney in March and join the Vermont Department of Public Safety to help officials set up the courts, including developing DUI treatment dockets.
Shumlin also proposed consolidating the Community High School of Vermont and the Vermont Correctional Industries programs to better train inmates to be successful outside of prison.
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