7/21/03-Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed a bill July 16 lowering Michigan’s legal blood-alcohol concentration limit. The new law helps secure millions in federal highway aid.
HB4247 lowers the state’s drunken driving standard from 0.10 percent to 0.08. It also helps the state avoid losing 2 percent – $9.2 million – of its highway dollars next year.
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 new law takes effect Sept. 30.

7/7/03-Michigan’s legal blood-alcohol concentration limit would be lowered under legislation approved last week in the Senate. The proposal also helps secure millions in federal highway aid.
HB4247, sponsored by Rep. William Van Regenmorter, R-Hudsonville, won approval on a 37-0 vote July 3. It returns to the House for approval of changes made in the Senate.
The bill would lower the state’s drunken driving standard from 0.10 percent to 0.08. It would also help the state avoid losing 2 percent – $9.2 million – of its highway dollars next year.
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. Forty-two other states have already adopted the lower threshold.
Michigan has until September 30 to certify to the federal government that a law is in place.
For bill status, call (517) 373-0135.

7/2/03-Michigan’s legal blood-alcohol concentration limit would be lowered under legislation in the Senate and help secure millions in federal highway aid.
HB4247, sponsored by Rep. William Van Regenmorter, R-Hudsonville, would lower the state’s drunken driving standard from 0.10 percent to 0.08. The bill would also help the Wolverine State avoid losing 2 percent – $9.2 million – of its highway dollars next year.
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. Forty-two other states have already adopted the lower threshold.
The bill, which previously passed the House, has been sent to the Senate Committee on Judiciary for consideration. Michigan has until September 30 to certify to the federal government that a law is in place.
For bill status, call (517) 373-0135.