A regional program that requires repeat drunken drivers to pass twice-daily breath tests to stay out of jail has shown excellent results, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says.

Stenehjem on Wednesday briefed the Legislature's interim Commission on Alternatives to Incarceration about the program, which began operating Jan. 1 in 12 counties in south-central North Dakota.

It is patterned after a South Dakota initiative that has been in effect since January 2005. South Dakota's attorney general, Larry Long, told the commission the program has expanded statewide, and drawn enthusiastic support from law enforcement agencies.

The program affects people who are arrested for driving under the influence for the second time within 10 years. To be released on bond, they must agree to be tested for alcohol every morning and evening, seven days a week, until their case is settled.

In North Dakota, 52 of the 96 people who have taken part in the program so far have completed it without failing any tests, Stenehjem said.

Most of the checks were breath tests performed at local county sheriff's offices, although a handful of offenders paid extra to wear remote electronic alcohol monitors.

A dozen people failed their tests, according to statistics presented to committee members, who met Wednesday in Dickinson. Under the program's guidelines, people who fail their alcohol tests are jailed until they can make an appearance before a judge.

Twenty-four participants are still active in the testing program, while judges are determining the status of the remaining eight.

Sen. Joel Heitkamp, D-Hankinson, the committee's chairman, said he believes the Legislature will support expanding the effort.

"This looks really positive," Heitkamp said.