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Committee approves bill to extend interlock scrutiny in last 60 days of restricted driving period
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to pass House Bill 18‑75, which would treat ignition interlock violations differently during the six‑month restricted driving period after a DWI: no penalties for violations in the first four months, and a 60‑day extension for violations in the final 60 days.
House Bill 18‑75 cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee after Representative Dwight Tosh described the change and supporters testified.
Representative Dwight Tosh, District 38 and a former Arkansas State Police captain, explained the current system: after a DWI a driver's license is suspended for six months; a driver can avoid full suspension by installing an ignition interlock device. Tosh said his bill preserves the existing option but alters enforcement: violations detected by the interlock in the first four months of the six‑month period would not count against a user, but if a driver attempts to start the vehicle and exceeds the calibrated limit during the final 60 days, that violation would trigger a 60‑day extension of the interlock requirement. Tosh said the change is intended to encourage behavioral change without creating criminal penalties for interlock violations.
Teresa Belew, speaking for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), supported the bill and highlighted industry statistics showing millions of prevented trips and a reduction in recidivism when interlock devices are used. Tosh said roughly 35 states already have similar laws and the measure had broad institutional support in Arkansas from courts and law enforcement.
A motion to pass was made, seconded and carried on a voice vote; the transcript records committee approval.
