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Senate hears technical and liability questions on ignition interlock proposal for DUI offenders
Summary
Senators discussed Senate Bill 67, which would allow judges to require ignition interlock devices for DUI offenders so they can continue driving for work. Debate focused on technical circumvention, how many vehicles would require devices, and potential liability if vehicles become inoperable; further work and placement on a future special order were announced.
Senator Scott Howell presented Senate Bill 67, describing an ignition interlock device intended for certain DUI offenders that would allow them to continue driving to work while reducing the risk of alcohol-impaired driving. Howell told the Senate the device performs breath testing before vehicle operation and can trigger lights and the horn if the driver attempts to start the car while impaired.
Colleagues raised operational and legal questions on the floor: how the device prevents another person from blowing into the unit to start the vehicle, whether a court would designate which vehicle requires the device, and whether the state or courts would be exposed to liability if a device rendered a car inoperable and an occupant suffered harm (for example, from exposure to cold). Supporters said the technology is calibrated to detect breath composition, noted model statutes from other states and argued the device addresses both public safety and job retention for some offenders.
The Senate agreed to place the health-related substitute (Senate Bill 158 as a substitute) on a time certain for more public attention and review; senators indicated they would return to technical and liability issues in committee or at a future floor date.
