Emma’s Law Passes Senate

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — The proposed Emma’s Law could be signed by Gov. Nikki Haley as soon as next week. After several amendments by democratic state senator from Darlington, Gerald Malloy, were shot down, the senate voted unanimously to accept the version of the bill passed by the house earlier this month. The law would require first time DUI offenders with a certain blood alcohol concentration level to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. “The fight was worth it,” said Karen Longstreet, mother of 6-year-old Emma Longstreet, for whom the bill is named. “Emma wanted to be a veterinarian; now, instead of saving animals she can save people.” Emma died when a drunk driver collided with the family van as they headed to church New year’s Day, 2012.