Transportation Committee raises concept to lower blood-alcohol limit, discuss roadside phlebotomy and electronic warrants

The Transportation Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly voted to draft legislation described as “enact reducing blood alcohol limits for impaired driving and concerning roadside phlebotomy and electronic warrants.” The roll-call vote to raise the concept passed after extended debate and a recorded roll call.

The measure as presented would lower the state’s blood‑alcohol concentration limit and add discussion points on roadside phlebotomy — trained officers drawing blood at the scene — and the use of electronic warrants to authorize such draws. Committee Cochair Senator Wong said the committee is “raising concepts” to develop language and hear public input, noting, “a yes vote today, by no means insinuates a yes vote down the line.”

Why it matters: Committee members said the change is part of a broader push to reduce preventable roadway deaths. Senator Wong cited rising traffic fatalities and framed the draft as part of a bipartisan…