Bill inspired by Kenosha woman would change OWI release laws

MADISON (CBS 58) -- A bill being considered in Madison aims to keep OWI suspects in custody longer.

It's partly inspired by a Kenosha woman who nearly died when she was hit by a drunk driver.

Jennifer Kilburn of Kenosha was driving to her nursing job at Aurora Hospital in August of last year when she was hit by a drunk driver.

Kilburn lobbied to change OWI holding laws. Now, a State Representative is helping lead the charge.

The bill would prevent OWI suspects from being released to 'responsible adults' immediately after being arrested.

"There must be some purpose that I'm still here, and one of them, besides the fact the I'm a nurse, I think that I'm here to change this so that it doesn't happen to somebody else," said Kilburn.

The man who crashed into Kilburn has a sentencing hearing scheduled for later next month.