ATLANTA - The Georgia state Senate has voted to pass a bill that would make driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs an automatic felony for illegal immigrants.
The bill sponsored by state Sen. William Ligon, a Republican from Brunswick, passed by a vote of 35-18.
In Georgia DUI is a misdemeanor until a person's fourth conviction, when it becomes a felony. Ligon's bill would make it felony on the first conviction for illegal immigrants.
Ligon says the bill is necessary because this is an issue of public safety.
Some senators raised concerns that the bill could be unconstitutional and could put an extra burden on the prison system.
The National Conference of State Legislatures says Georgia would likely be the first state to enact such a law if it passes.
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