Public Policy

Public Policy: Legislative Priorities 2009-10

SB 1925 - (Senator Robert Hedlund) A bill to require ignition interlock device for all convicted offenders.

An alcohol ignition interlock is a breath test device linked to a vehicle’s ignition system. When a driver wishes to start his or her vehicle, he or she must first blow into the device. The vehicle will not start unless the driver’s alcohol concentration is below a pre-set blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A data recorder logs the driver’s BAC for each attempt to start the vehicle. Interlocks may be calibrated to have “rolling retests,” which requires a driver to provide breath tests at regular intervals, preventing drivers from asking a sober friend to start the car, or drink while driving.

Currently all repeat offenders are required to get an ignition interlock device as a condition of probation upon reinstatement of their driver’s license and/or for those seeking hardship licenses. As of 2008, 47 states and the District of Columbia allow for interlocks for some drunk driving offenders and 11 of those states include some type of provision for interlocks for all convicted offenders.

In a nutshell, S 1925 would require an ignition interlock device for convicted first offenders for a period of six months upon reinstatement of their license. The bill would also require interlocks as a condition for hardship licenses for first offenders.

click here for a copy of the bill (.pdf)

Status: Currently in Transportation Committee

HB 1925 - (Rep. William Brownsberger) Youth Alcohol Bill

An act relative to the youth alcohol education program to reduce underage drinking and promote healthy choices. Joint Committee on Mental Health & Substance Abuse Increases compliance with the minimum drinking age by adding consumption to the law and offering a civil rather than criminal penalty. The Department of Public Health will regulate the content of educational and alcohol screening components. This civil option is available only for minor in possession, consumption, purchase, attempt to purchase and transportation where no OUI or violence was involved. Alcohol is the #1 drug problem for American youth, leading to increased levels of abusive and addictive drinking and drunk driving over the life span.