A new Kansas law will require jail time for repeat drunken drivers who refuse breath and blood tests.

The law takes effect July 1. First-time offenders are exempted from the law.

Under current Kansas law, refusing the tests generally leads to a
driver’s license being suspended.

Supporters of the new law say that doesn’t deter chronic offenders who drive with or without a license. They say the new law takes away incentives to refuse the tests. Drivers will face the same penalties as a DUI conviction, up to a year in jail for those with multiple convictions.

But critics say it will cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased costs for incarcerations and potential court challenges.