4/8/03-A bill in the Delaware General Assembly to lower the state’s legal blood-alcohol limit for drivers was withdrawn April 3 and is dead for the year.
Under HB37, sponsored by Rep. William A. Oberle, R-Beecher’s Lot, the state’s current standard for drunken drivers, 0.10 percent blood alcohol content, would have been reduced to 0.08.
A 2000 federal law requires each state’s legislature to adopt the 0.08 limit by 2004 or lose 2 percent of its highway money.

3/31/03-HB37 lowers the state’s legal blood-alcohol limit for drivers and at the same time retain valuable federal dollars.
The Blue Hen State defines the standard for drunken driving as 0.10 percent blood alcohol content. Under HB37, the standard would be cut to 0.08.
A 2000 federal law requires each state’s legislature to adopt the 0.08 limit by 2004 or lose 2 percent of its highway money.
The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee. For bill status, call (302) 739-4114.

3/10/03-A bill in the Delaware General Assembly lowers the state's legal blood-alcohol limit for drivers and at the same time retains valuable federal dollars.
The Blue Hen State defines the standard for drunken driving as 0.10 percent blood alcohol content. Under HB37, sponsored by Rep. William A. Oberle, R-Beecher's Lot, the standard would be cut to 0.08.
A 2000 federal law requires each state's legislature to adopt the 0.08 limit by 2004 or lose 2 percent of its highway money.
If the state doesn't lower its BAC to .08 by October, it stands to lose $1.6 million in federal highway funds. The penalty escalates in future years.
States that adopt the new limit by 2007 can recover the withheld funds.
The bill is in the House Public Safety Committee. For bill status, call (302) 739-4114.