7/18/03-Legislation that would make it more difficult for people with a history of drunken driving to get behind the wheel has died.
HB431 passed the House June 10, but was still in the Senate Judiciary Committee when the session ended June 16.
The proposal would have given judges the option of requiring a person convicted of driving under the influence to install an “ignition interlock device” in their vehicle that prevents it from starting if the driver is legally drunk.

6/11/03-The Senate Judiciary Committee is reviewing legislation that would give judges the option of requiring a person convicted of driving under the influence to install an “ignition interlock device” in their vehicle that prevents it from starting if the driver is legally drunk.
HB431 would allow the judge to permit the person to drive with the special equipment on the vehicle. The driver would blow into the device; if his or her blood alcohol level were too high, the vehicle wouldn’t start.
For bill status, call (334) 242-7600. In Alabama, call 1-800-499-3052.

6/11/03-The House voted June 10 in favor of legislation that would make it more difficult for people with a history of drunken driving to get behind the wheel.
The bill would give judges the option of requiring a person convicted of driving under the influence to install an “ignition interlock device” in their vehicle that prevents it from starting if the driver is legally drunk.
HB431 would allow the judge to permit the person to drive with the special equipment on the vehicle. The driver would blow into the device; if his or her blood alcohol level were too high, the vehicle wouldn’t start.
The bill has been forwarded to the Senate. For bill status, call (334) 242-7600. In Alabama, call 1-800-499-3052.

5/23/03-A House panel passed legislation in May that would make it more difficult for people with a history of drunken driving to get behind the wheel.
The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would give judges the option of requiring a person convicted of driving under the influence to install an “ignition interlock device” in their vehicle that prevents it from starting if the driver is legally drunk.
Under current law, a person convicted of drunk driving for the first time loses their driver’s license for 90 days. HB431, sponsored by Rep. Priscilla Dunn, D-Bessemer, would allow the judge to permit the person to drive with the special equipment on the vehicle.
The driver would blow into the device and if their blood alcohol level were too high the vehicle wouldn’t start.
For House bill status, call (334) 242-7600. In Alabama, call 1-800-499-3052.