Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the DUI Interlock topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate backs ignition‑interlock pilot for some DUI offenders after fiscal note cut
Summary
Senate Bill 67 would allow courts to require ignition‑interlock devices for certain DUI defendants so they can continue working. Sponsors demonstrated the device, discussed costs ($200–$600) and amended oversight language to assign implementation oversight to public safety; a revised fiscal estimate fell to $40,000 and the bill moved to third reading after a recorded vote.
Senators advanced a bill aimed at reducing repeat impaired driving by allowing judges to require ignition‑interlock devices for some DUI offenders as a condition of probation.
Sponsor Senator Scott Powell described an interlock device that prevents vehicle ignition when a breath alcohol concentration exceeds the permitted limit. He showed a short demonstration video to explain how the technology works, and said it offers an alternative to license suspension for people who need to keep working.
Lawmakers asked implementation questions: who pays for installation and monitoring (the defendant, the sponsor said), whether the device can be circumvented (the sponsor acknowledged some potential work‑arounds), and where program oversight should sit. Senator Peterson and others urged moving oversight from the state treasurer to the commissioner of public safety; the floor adopted an amendment changing that language.
Powell also reported a revised fiscal note: an initial figure of $325,000 was narrowed after consultation with the courts and others to $40,000. The sponsor and supporters argued the device can both protect public safety and allow productive employment for people on probation.
The Senate called the question and reported a recorded vote placing SB 67 on the third‑reading calendar with a 26–1–2(absent) tally as announced on the floor.
What's next: The bill was placed on the third reading calendar for a final floor vote and further technical work on oversight and fiscal implementation will follow.
