COLUMBIA, S.C. - A House bill creating tougher standards for driving under the influence cleared the Senate on Thursday.

The bill would lower the legal blood-alcohol limit for drunken driving convictions to 0.08 percent from the current 0.10 percent.

The Senate's amendments to the bill include language that would make it easier to through out a DUI test if authorities failed to follow test procedures. Sen.s also agreed to increase the current $300 fine on DUIs by $100.

Senate amendments mean the bill will have to be worked out in a conference committee next week.

Sen. Larry Martin, R-Pickens, said the bill has to clear the Legislature before it goes home this summer or else the federal government won't release highway funds to the state.

ON THE NET

DUI bill: http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess115_2003-2004/bills/3231.htm