Restrictive DUI Lawyer Advertising Bill Advances in Tenn.

Legislation that would prohibit lawyers from advertising that they offer discounts for anyone charged with DUI has passed through the Tennessee Senate's Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

Lawmakers are apparently reacting to ads in which lawyers claim to specialize in DUI.

"What kind of message does that send? Clearly and simply, it sends the message that it’s OK to drive drunk. Don’t worry about it. There’s a lawyer out there that will get you off if you get arrested," Senate Speaker Pro Tem Rosalind Kurita, D-Clarksville, told the Chattanoogan.

Lawmakers are trying to tack the legislation onto a bill that would create an online "Repeat DUI Offender" registry.

As proposed, the law would bar DUI lawyers from advertising that they specialize in DUI, that they offer discounted fees for DUI, or that they have more experience with DUI than any other licensed attorney.