By Alanna Durkin, The Associated Press
AUGUSTA, Maine — A new Maine law that aims to crack down on people with multiple drunken driving violations is among several that will soon kick in following the Democratic-led Legislature's short, combative session.
Under the new law that goes into effect on Friday, someone with a previous felony operating-under-the-influence conviction will automatically be charged with a felony for a subsequent offense.
Currently, if someone's felony conviction is more than 10 years old, the person can only be charged with a misdemeanor for their next offense, which results in a much smaller penalty.
Among other laws set to take effect include several that seek to make veterans' lives easier, one that will help more school districts start pre-kindergarten programs and another that boosts a property tax credit for some Mainers.