Ignition Interlock (H 7332, H 7849A, S 2568, S 2838A)

The Affiliate testified against a number of bills seeking to require the use of ignition interlock devices by any person convicted of DUIs, failure to submit to a chemical test, and other crimes – even if the driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of their infraction.  All of the bills considered drastically increased the numbers of individuals who would be subject to ignition interlocks and the length of time such individuals would be required to maintain the devices; some versions included no provisions allowing for indigent individuals to obtain the devices without paying their costly upkeep fees.  This would have all but ensured indigent individuals would be unable to afford the devices and would return to jail.  The House and Senate each passed a version of this legislation, but were unable to reconcile them before the end of the legislative session, and the bills failed.