A fourth offense drunken driving conviction would be a felony in some cases, instead of just a misdemeanor, under a bill passed by the Wisconsin state Senate.

Backers of the measure passed Thursday say it gets tough on drunken driving in Wisconsin, even though first offenses remain a traffic violation.

Wisconsin is the only state where that's the case.  Under the bill, a first offense would be a crime only if someone under age 16 is in the car.

The increased penalties under the bill passed would be paid for by increasing from $60 to $100 a fee paid by drunken drivers whose licenses are suspended or revoked.

The Assembly was expected to pass the bill later on Thursday.  Gov. Jim Doyle has said he supports the bill and is expected to sign it.